In Big Sky Country, we pride ourselves on our freedom and everything our great state offers. For motorcyclists, that freedom feels even more powerful on the open road.
One of those freedoms is the ability to choose whether or not to wear a helmet when we ride. But how often do we really stop to think about that choice?
I’ve ridden without a helmet plenty of times over the years. Like many riders, I didn’t always think about the consequences—not just for myself, but for the people who care about me. The truth is, wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death in a motorcycle accident.
Do Helmets Really Save Lives?
The data is clear: yes, they do.
According to the Montana Department of Transportation, riders who don’t wear helmets are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15% more likely to suffer a non-fatal head injury than riders who wear helmets.
On a national level, the National Safety Council reports that in 2023, motorcycle fatalities made up 15.5% of all traffic deaths, even though motorcycles account for just 3% of registered vehicles and only 0.6% of total vehicle miles traveled each year.
Those numbers can be eye-opening—especially for new riders—but they tell an important story. Motorcycling carries risk, and helmets are one of the simplest ways we can reduce it.
It’s Not Just About Us
When we gear up for a ride, we should also think about our families. Do we want them to face a life-changing loss because we chose not to wear a helmet? Or do we want to come home safely, able to hug our loved ones and keep making memories?
I know what I want—and I believe most riders want the same thing: more time. More rides. More sunsets. More years with the people who matter most.
I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always worn a helmet. But over time, experience has taught me that some risks simply aren’t worth taking. Putting on a helmet takes only a moment, and that small decision can save a life.
Read next: Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents (and How to Avoid Them)
Ride Smart. Ride Safe.
Helmets save lives. As riders, we should seriously consider every safety option available to us so we can continue enjoying Montana’s open roads on two wheels for years to come. It only takes one accident to change a family’s life forever.
Ride free—but ride smart. Safety matters every time you roll the throttle.
