Bicycle Helmet Laws In Arizona

Whether it be on a motorcycle or a bicycle, helmets are part and parcel of the riding experience. Some riders find helmets to be restricting and annoying, while others feel that helmet laws themselves are the restricting and annoying part. Other people see helmets as being a mandatory part of the riding experience to ensure their health and safety. Different states and different areas within states have their own laws regarding helmets. And while discussions about motorcycle helmets appear in the news quite a bit, the importance of bicycle ones shouldn’t be downplayed.

What Are Arizona Bicycle Helmet Laws?

If you are over the age of 18 in Arizona, there are no laws that require you to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. If you’re under the age of 18, there are certain areas in Arizona that do require you to wear a helmet. Three of them are the cities of Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Yuma. Additionally, all of Pima County requires them for riders under 18. If you’re an adult, whether you “should” wear a helmet or not is entirely up to you, but legally you’re not required to do so.

Why Should You Wear A Bicycle Helmet?

Picture in your mind you’re standing up in the middle of the road and falling backward without stopping yourself at all. Then picture your head smacking against that asphalt. Now picture it happening a lot faster. That’s why you should wear a helmet while riding. Several studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce your odds of receiving a severe brain injury in a bicycle crash by 52% while lowering your overall chance of death by 44%. Additionally, some helmets are made or can be adapted to be reflective of light, increasing the chance that a passing car is likely to see you and avoid you. That being said, drivers are supposed to give you sufficient room and be aware of you regardless, so if you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with an experienced accident attorney.

Head Trauma Is Serious Business

Traumatic brain injury is a frightening term to hear, but thanks to increased research and study regarding concussions, the medical community has come to learn that even mild concussions can have severe effects on the brain if multiple of them occur. One concussion may cause temporary problems like dizziness, headaches, and vision problems, but a second and third concussion happening in quick succession can cause permanent mental and psychological damage. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a real danger to people who engage in physical activity where the head can take impacts. Bicyclists are not immune to this, especially ones who engage in stunts and tricks. Repeated injuries or even one severe one could result in needing a lifetime of medical care.

Wear A Helmet And Call ELG Law

Helmets are a wonderful tool to protect your head and brain, but they’re not 100% effective at protecting you. Depending on the force of a crash, a helmet may crack or you can still suffer a concussion even if the protective gear remains in one piece. The law may not require you to wear a helmet, but if a car hits you while you’re riding your bike, you’re going to be a lot better off if you’re wearing one. Either way, you may need help pursuing your legal options against the driver who caused your accident–that’s where ELG Law is there for you. Call us at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation. One of our lawyers will speak to you about the circumstances of your situation and see if we can help you get the money you need to get your life back on track.