Riding a motorcycle is not the same thing as operating a standard motor vehicle. That is, you must ensure that you are physically- and mentally-equipped before hopping on. What’s more, you must ensure you are well-versed in the road rules and regulations for motorcycles, specifically its helmet laws. With that being said, continue reading to learn more about motorcycle helmet laws and how an experienced Toronto motorcycle accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you better understand their importance.
What are the motorcycle helmet laws in the Province of Ontario?
Put simply, the Province of Ontario requires motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear approved helmets, at all times. Specifically, approved helmets are those that have a strong chin strap that can be securely fastened. What’s more, they must be in good condition and overall constructed with protective features. For example, these helmets may incorporate bright colors or reflective devices so that the rider and their passengers are easily visible on the road at any time of day.
In addition, the rider and their passengers should personally confirm that their helmets fit snugly onto their heads; and that they will not slide around their heads upon the vibrations and other movements that come with riding a motorcycle. Ultimately, they should ensure that they are comfortable in their helmets; and that they will not be a cause for distraction from concentrating on the road ahead.
What are the consequences of riding a motorcycle without a helmet?
If you are caught riding a motorcycle without a helmet, you may be pulled over by a law enforcement officer and fined. The same may apply if you wear a helmet but your passenger is not.
What’s worse than being penalized with a traffic violation, though, is suffering a life-threatening or life-ending head injury in the event of a crash. That is, incurring a severe traumatic brain injury may lead to problems with your memory; changes in your personality; difficulties in your concentration; hindrances in your fine motor skills; and more. Subsequently, this may affect your ability to return to work and overall maintain the quality of life you once enjoyed when you were healthy.
Most unfortunately, you may still suffer from bodily injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident, even if you do wear an approved helmet. This is due to the sheer nature of a motorcycle being more dangerous than a standard motor vehicle. But what may make this situation worse is if the collision was not your fault, to begin with. Rest assured, you may take steps towards rectifying it by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
This is all to say that the time to act is now. Pick up the phone and call a skilled Toronto auto accident lawyer from Merricks Law Group, P.A. at your earliest possible convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
