Since 1980, motorcyclists over age 21 have not had to wear helmets in South Carolina, but a new piece of legislation may soon require the controversial headgear for all ages.
Though motorcycle accidents are statistically far more likely to cause injury and death if drivers and passengers do not have adequate head protection, South Carolina helmet laws have undergone changes over the years. Before 1967, there were no helmet regulations in place and that year a law was passed requiring all riders to wear helmets. Thirteen years later, however, the state chose to modify the law, limiting the helmet requirement to motorcyclists under 21.
Now, a bill sponsored by South Carolina State Senator Ralph Anderson (D-Greenville) would, if passed, revert motorcycles safety laws back to the original legislation, making helmets mandatory for all motorcyclists, regardless of age.
No other state has a higher motorcycle fatality rate than South Carolina, according to the state's Department of Public Safety, with over 100 motorcycle accidents there resulting in death each year. See: Motorcycle Accident Lawyer In Columbia SC Nearly 82% of those deaths involved riders who were not wearing a helmet.
The issue of motorcycle safety has long been debated around the country and 20 states currently have laws in place requiring drivers and passengers of all ages to wear helmets, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website reports that in states in where only minors are required to wear helmets, data shows that less than 40% of the minors who lose their lives in motorcycle crashes actually wear helmets, despite the laws.
With head injury being the most common cause of death in motorcycle accidents, the NHTSA also says that the likelihood of motorcycle crash fatalities are reduced 37% by helmet use. See: Personal Injury Lawyer
The South Carolina Motorcycle Education Program, which is part of South Carolina Technical College System Rider Education based in Columbia, SC, requires students of all ages to wear helmets and other protective gear while taking their motorcycle driving courses. Though helmets are currently not required by law for riders over 21 in South Carolina, the education program's website homepage includes a video clip produced by the NHTSA, promoting helmet use for all.
The final line image in the film urges motorcycle riders to "Wear It Every Time You Ride".