Arizona’s right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet is something that is cherished by all riders. There are benefits and consequences of either choice. We stand by and believe in riders’ absolute right to make their own decisions about helmet use, but we think you should know all the information about the law before you make that choice.
Injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are most often to the head, arms and legs. Helmets and other safety equipment very often helps to lessen the severity of injuries in the unfortunate occurrence of an accident.
Helmets are said to have saved 1,829 lives in 2008, and that if all cyclists had worn helmets that year, an additional 823 lives could have been saved (NHTSA 2008). For every 100 un-helmeted riders killed in crashes, 37 could be saved if they all had worn helmets. Helmets should fit snugly and always have a Department of Transportation (DOT) label.
Without a full-face helmet or full windshield, bikers’ eyes are highly exposed to the elements. Eye protection is very much recommended as not only will it prevent many injuries but it will also improve your visibility. Wind, sand, bugs, or pollen can make your eyes watery or dry, making it much more difficult to see when vision is a vital sense when riding.
Body protection varies widely. Leathers, body armor, gloves, and other designated clothing does little to prevent breakage or internal injury in an accident, but it does reduce the severity of road rash, an injury that can occur in even a minor accident. Recovery from road rash can sometimes require stitches, or in worse cases, extensive skin grafts and reconstruction. Clothing needs to be of durable fabric, frequently leather or other specialty synthetic fabric, with long, snug-fitting sleeves and legs to prevent it from catching in chains or other exposed parts. Gloves should have non-slip grips to allow riders full and firm grips on throttle and controls.
