Bicycle helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in crashes. State laws require them for some riders to promote safety and diminish the number of severe and fatal injuries. While not all cyclists are legally required to wear head protection when riding, federal and state safety agencies strongly recommend helmet use for everyone.
If you suffered injuries in a bike accident a negligent motorist caused, the Woodbridge bicycle helmet laws can play a significant role in determining what compensation is available to you. Our skilled bicycle accident attorneys can tell you more about this.
Who Must Wear Helmets?
According to New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-10.1, teenagers and children age 17 and younger must wear properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmets while cycling. The helmets must meet federal safety standards. The law applies whether their bikes are non-motorized or motorized.
While adults age 18 and older are not legally required to wear helmets, they are highly recommended because countless studies show they can significantly decrease the risk of severe head injuries. The state helmet laws also extend to users of roller skates, blades, skateboards, and inline skates. Enforcement typically begins with warnings, but additional violations could result in parents or guardians paying fines. Our Woodbridge Township attorneys can answer your questions about bike helmet statutes.
Additional Regulations
State regulations also require the following:
- All cyclists must use lights at night or when visibility is low
- All bikes must have an audible signal (such as a bell) that other people can hear from at least 100 feet away
- All bikes must have working and well-maintained braking systems
- Cyclists must not hitch their bikes to other vehicles
Bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities on roadways as motor vehicle operators. Cyclists must stop and yield when necessary, give pedestrians the right of way in crosswalks, and use hand signals when turning and slowing down.
Bike Helmet Standards
Local bike helmet safety standards are similar to those of the American National Standards Institute and the Snell Memorial Foundation. According to these standards, each helmet must fit properly and sit parallel to the ground. The wearer must be able to see the helmet’s brim when they look up. The straps must form a “V” shape under the ears and chin. The chin strap must be snug enough to allow only one or two fingers to fit between it and the wearer’s chin.
The regulations apply to all bicyclists’ headgear manufactured after March 10, 1999. They set a minimum performance criterion to reduce the risk of head injuries. Our lawyers in Woodbridge Township can review the cyclists’ helmet statutes with you. As our team will tell you, all headgear that meets the safety standards has visible labels. You must make sure your helmet fits properly, avoid damaging it, and keep it clean with mild soap and water.
Call Our Attorneys To Discuss Woodbridge Bike Helmet Statutes
While state laws do not require all cyclists to wear safety helmets, this headgear saves lives and reduces the wearers’ risk of sustaining debilitating injuries or dying. If you suffered harm in a biking crash and a negligent motorist was to blame, the laws will play a role in determining the monetary damages a court will award you. That is because failing to protect your head despite the availability of safety equipment can diminish your compensation amount.
Our experienced lawyers at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, can explain how the Woodbridge bicycle helmet laws and other regulations will affect your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
