One of the most telling signals that summer is finally upon us is the booming motorcycle population on our roads. While these vehicles offer a large sense of thrill and excitement for the riders and passengers, they can also be dangerous.
Motorcycle helmets are one of the best safety measures a cyclist can take on the road, as just wearing a helmet can reduce the likelihood of motorcycle fatalities by 37%. While helmets are undoubtedly safe, are they required by Illinois State law?
What does the law say?
According to Illinois law, there is no requirement that forces motorcycle operators or passengers to wear their helmets while driving. While the law does not say anything about helmets, there are other requirements that drivers do need to follow.
State law does require drivers and their passengers to wear eye protection while riding or operating the vehicle. This protection can come in the form of safety glasses, goggles, or even a transparent shield. These laws are in place to protect the riders and their passengers.
The law even goes as far as to specify some requirements for these protections. Glasses need to be shatter-resistant material, and goggles need to be a protective device that does not obstruct peripheral vision and cannot form a complete seal on the face. A transparent shield can act as a windshield attached to the motorcycle’s front and must also be shatter-resistant.
Stay safe this summer
There is no certainty that the drivers around you are doing their part in keeping motorcyclists safe. When you cannot account for others on the road, you can still act to protect yourself. Take an extra safety measure to protect yourself from an accident by wearing the protective gear that the law requires.