Unless you are under 18 or a novice operator, you do not have to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Ohio. The lack of a mandatory helmet law can feel liberating to some riders who enjoy that wind-in-their-hair feeling or the sense of being on the open road.
However, you are at greater risk if you head out on a motorcycle without a helmet. In 2021, in states without universal helmet laws, about 57% of all riders died in motorcycle-related accidents, compared to only 11% in states with this regulation. Although Ohio does not require it, the risks of going helmetless may outweigh what may appear to be its benefits.
Wearing a Helmet is Not Required but Recommended
The Motorcyclists not wearing helmets make this choice for various reasons, but the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Operator Manual refutes the following common misconceptions about helmets:
- Helmets reduce visibility— DOT-compliant helmets allow wearers to see the front and far to the sides. In a study of more than 900 motorcycle crashes, reduced visibility was not a factor.
- Helmets are not necessary for short trips— Most crashes occur during trips shorter than five miles. They also tend to happen within the first few minutes of the ride.
- Helmets are only necessary at higher speeds— Most motorcycle crashes occur at speeds slower than 30 mph. At these lower speeds, helmets can reduce head injuries by half.
Riding without a helmet can put you in a more vulnerable position when filing a lawsuit or attempting to collect compensation for an accident. For example, in a civil case, the opposing lawyer can argue that choosing to forego a helmet implies that you assumed a certain amount of risk. Such an argument might damage your case, especially if you seek compensation for a head injury, which they can argue increases your risk or the severity of your injury.
Wearing a Helmet Can Prevent Serious Injury or Death
Wearing a properly fitted DOT-compliant helmet can be a life-saving decision. In particular, helmets can help motorcyclists avoid severe, life-changing head and brain injuries during accidents. Until helmet laws are changed in Ohio and the surrounding states, wearing a helmet can be a healthy habit to maintain motorcycle safety.