On behalf of Ludwar Law Firm posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, May 22, 2015.
Motorcycle helmets are the single most important piece of equipment in a motorcycle rider's safety arsenal. Simply by putting one on, a rider will dramatically reduce his or her risk of serious injuries or death in the event of a motorcycle accident. Not only that, but Alberta motorcycle riders are required to wear an approved safety helmet by law. Anyone who rides a moped, a power bicycle or a motorcycle must wear a helmet that meets Canadian safety standards. The helmet will be marked with whichever safety standard it meets. Helmets labeled CSA, BSI, DOT or Snell Memorial Foundation M2000 are all approved for use. Furthermore, it is unlawful to sell an unapproved helmet for the purpose of use with a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet is not only important for compliance with safety laws. It is also important from the standpoint of a personal injury claim. Indeed, if a motorcyclist is injured due to another party's negligence and he or she was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, courts may reduce the liability of the at-fault party. For example, if it is determined that the motorcyclist's failure to wear a helmet resulted in worsened injuries, the court might apply some of the fault for the injuries to the motorcyclist. The above reasons enough are probably enough to encourage all Alberta motorcyclists to wear a helmet when they take to the roads. Indeed, when something is legally required, when it can save lives through its use and when it can help protect your legal right to recover damages in the event of an accident, it is very hard to argue against it. Motorcycle helmets just make sense. Source: Alberta Transportation, "Rules & Regulations Applying to Small Vehicles," accessed May. 22, 2015