Starting in 1967, the United States Federal Government passed legislation offering compelling incentives for states to implement motorcycle helmet laws and/or bicycle helmet laws. Essentially, states without helmet laws would no longer qualify for federal highway construction funds or for certain highway safety programs. By the early to mid-1970s, many states went through the process of passing, then repealing and reenacting helmet laws until successfully lobbying against the practice of assessing financial penalties for failure to implement helmet laws.
Today, only three states–Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire–have no legislation governing the use of motorcycle helmets. Twenty-eight (28) states have partial motorcycle helmet laws, with 19 states and the District of Columbia having laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets.
Bicycle helmet laws are only in place in 21 states as well as the District of Columbia; most of those laws are specific to riders below the age of 16. However, 29 states have no bicycle helmet laws whatsoever.
Chivaroli Premier is the industry leader in identifying potential personal risks and structuring your insurance programs accordingly. To find out what helmet laws exist where you live and to discuss ways to protect you and your family, contact an insurance professional at Chivaroli Premier.
