Some bikers are breaking the law and don't even realize it. Are you one of them?

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we discovered a law that you may not know about. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, all motorcycle operators must wear approved eye protection even if the motorcycle has a windshield. Prescription or made-to-order safety glasses may be used if the user can pre­sent written certification that they meet DMV standards. The eye protection must be made in a way that conforms to the regulations established by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI -Z87.1).

The children as passengers portion really surprised us!

According to the DMV, A child of any age can be a motorcycle passenger in New York State. Every passenger must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet, and ride upon a permanent, seat on a motorcycle that can carry more than one person. The passenger must sit with his face forward, one leg on each side of the motorcycle, with each foot on a foot peg, unless he or she is seated in a properly attached sidecar. It is illegal for an operator to carry a pas­senger, or for the passenger to ride, in a position that will interfere with the opera­tion or control of the motorcycle or the vision of the operator.

Motorcycle Safety and Helmets:

In 2016, 4,976 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes, and nonfatal injuries that year totaled 88,000, according to Injury Facts 2017, fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers have increased nearly 3% from 2006, driven largely by an 8% increase in 2015.

A motorcycle crash is a "violent event." More than 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, according to NHTSA. A helmet is the most important equipment a biker can use. In 2016, 1,876 motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for operators and 41% for passengers. Here are some tips and regulations for choosing yours.

  • A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection.
  • Look for the DOT sticker, which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law.
  • Never buy a used helmet; helmets are useless after they've been worn in a crash.
  • Here is a fact sheet on motorcycle helmet use from NHTSA.

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