Will Iowa Be Adopting a New Motorcycle Helmet Law?

Motorcycle riders in Iowa currently have a choice to either wear or not wear helmets when they ride their bikes. There are people who feel that motorcycle operators should be required to wear helmets for their own safety, where motorcycle enthusiasts believe this decision is up to the individual rider.

Because Iowa currently has no motorcycle helmet law, it as well as Illinois and New Hampshire (the two other states that also do not have an enforced motorcycle helmet law) are all under a lot of scrutiny.

Will this law be changed?

Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has asked all the states, including Iowa, to enforce a mandatory helmet law. The reason why the NTSB is pursuing this issue is due to the astonishing statistics regarding injuries and fatalities facing motorcycle riders.

Did you know that in 2009, there were more motorcycle fatalities than in the aviation, marine, rail and pipeline industries combined? The NTSB reports that motorcycle deaths accounted for 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. and continue to increase with 4,400 motorcycle fatalities in 2009 alone.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation reports that motorcycle fatalities have doubled in five years, while other fatalities from vehicle accidents have decreased in the state. The numbers indicate that 60 people have died in Iowa motorcycle accidents so far this year, and the year isn't over yet. The NTSB believes that if Iowa adopts a helmet law, that the use of helmets will help prevent fatalities to Iowa motorcycle riders.

Because head injuries are the main cause of death to motorcycle riders in Iowa and across the nation, the NTSB and other organizations want helmets to be mandatory. Head trauma and traumatic brain injury are serious injuries facing riders involved in Iowa motorcycle accidents. Some of these head injuries can lead to permanent injuries, paralysis, serious disabilities, or even death.

If you have been injured by a negligent driver in an Iowa motorcycle crash, or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Iowa, contact the Iowa motorcycle personal injury lawyers at the law offices of Brady Preston Gronlund today. Talking with an experienced Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident attorney can help you find out if you have a legal case and what your next steps should be. You may be entitled to financial compensation for instances of pain and suffering, hospital and medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and more. Find out what compensation you may qualify to receive. Call us at (319) 866-9277 today for your free case evaluation.

Visit our website again to see if there are any changes to the Iowa motorcycle helmet law. We will follow this proposed law and issues facing the motorcycle rider enthusiast community.