Utah Motorcycle Helmet Laws

While many states require the use of a helmet while operating a motorcycle or motorized scooter, Utah has a much more relaxed helmet law. Only persons under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet or protective headgear. The state leaves legal adults with the right to not wear a helmet if one so desires.

In the 1970’s, nearly every state required motorcycle operators to wear protective headgear. In less than ten years, most states had either completely repealed those laws or significantly reduced them. As of 2008, only 20 states and the District of Columbia required all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet.

While helmet laws continue to be a contested issue within many states, although speculative in nature, statistics have consistently shown that the use of protective headgear helps save lives. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars or trucks, simply because of the exposure of the riders. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 21 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than car passengers. However, helmets reduce the risk of fatality by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing severe brain injuries. The NHTSA also estimated that helmets saved the lives of over 1,100 motorcyclists in 2003 and could have saved another 600 had the riders been wearing helmets.

The statistics speak for themselves. Take California, for example. Motorcycle accident fatalities decreased by 36% in one year after the state passed a law requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. The rate of brain injury hospitalizations decreased by 50%. Compare those statistics to Texas. After repealing the state’s helmet laws, motorcycle accident fatalities increased by 31% in a year.

Helmet use is also beneficial for the driver’s pocket book. Brain injury is one of the most common types of injuries motorcyclists suffer in an accident. It is also one of the most expensive injuries to treat. The average medical costs for motorcyclists with head wounds is roughly $43,000, while motorcyclists without head injuries faced bills around $15,000.

Although it is not required by law, Utah motorcyclists would do well to wear proper head protection. But failing to Wear a helmet does not have to ruin your Utah personal injury case. Many times our attorneys are able to preclude opposing attorneys from mentioning anything at trial about not wearing a helmet.