HELMET LAW IN MISSISSIPPI 

Motorcycle riders in Mississippi are required by law to wear helmets. Under Section 63-9-11, motorcycle and motor scooter riders on public roads and highways are required to wear a crash helmet of a design and type that has been inspected and approved by the American Associated of Motor Vehicle Administrators. It’s important to note that not just any helmet will do. Riders have to wear approved helmets that are up to standard and meet minimum safety requirements. It shouldn’t come to a surprise to anybody that states with helmet laws have fewer fatal motorcycle accidents than states that don’t require helmets. After all, you’re head is pretty important.

Motorcycle Accidents Without Helmets

Without helmets, motorcycle accidents, even at seemingly minor speeds, can be catastrophic, devastating and fatal for riders. You don’t have to be going very fast for a head injury to be fatal. Even bicycle riders, who don’t ride on major interstate highways, have fatal head injuries when they’re not wearing their helmets. The helmet law helps to protect riders from and reduce the severity of serious and potentially debilitating head injuries. Adhering to this law means making sure you choose the right helmet to protect your head.

Choosing The Right Motorcycle Helmet

Choosing the right helmet is half the battle. It isn’t enough to just pickup any old helmet and hop on the hog. First thing’s first, make sure to look for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker on any helmets you’re considering. This sticker ensures basic safety standards are being met. These standards include impact protection, penetration protection and retention. Your helmet should be properly fitted and comfortable to wear. Helmets with full facial and jaw coverage are obviously the best. They protect vulnerable and delicate facial bones in the event of impact.

Skullcaps Versus Real Helmets

Although there are some skullcap types of helmets that are DOT approved, they certainly aren’t as good as helmets that offer jaw and facial protection. If your face hits the pavement, do you want a broken nose, cheekbones, chin and other devastating and disfiguring injuries? The full coverage options are definitely the best choice for serious bikers. Full coverage can also prevent or reduce the severity of serious jaw injuries and breaks. Nobody wants to live on a liquid diet for months because their jaw is wired shut. While the traditional skullcap look might be appealing to those looking for an old-school style, the more modern helmets with facial coverage are definitely the best choice for head, face and jaw protection.