Louisiana, Don’t Ignore a Helmet on the Ground Behind a Motorcycle

Lafayette, La (KMDL) - If you're traveling the roads around Louisiana, maybe on I-10 or I-49, and you notice a motorcycle parked on the side of the highway with a motorcycle helmet on the ground behind the back tire, you should pull over.

Get our free mobile app

What Does A Helmet On The Ground Behind A Motorcycle Mean?

The world of motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts is a unique world unto its own.

Riders share a strong bond of freedom, community, and a little bit of a rebellious streak.

Simply put, motorcycles are just...really cool.

This subculture also shares a unique style of dress that serves both as a statement as well as necessary functionality for safety.

READ MORE: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Louisiana?

One thing riders wear for safety is of course a motorcycle helmet.

Bikers also have their own special non-verbal way of communicating.

Speaking of motorcycle helmets and non-verbal communication, there's something that riders do that involves both that not a lot of people know about, but should.

From MSN.com -

"You may have seen riders give each other 'the wave,' which shows bikers' recognition of and friendship with one another, but there are several other important ways that they try to communicate with the surrounding traffic.

One of these comes when a motorcycle is stopped on the side of the road with a helmet on the ground behind it."

If you ever notice a motorcycle on the side of the road with a motorcycle helmet on the ground behind it, you should stop.

A motorcycle helmet placed on the ground behind a motorcycle typically signals a call for help or assistance. It's an informal distress signal used by riders when they are experiencing trouble and need aid, especially in places where cell phone service may be spotty or the rider can't leave the bike.

READ MORE: Why Do Louisiana Motorcyclists Wave at Each Other?

Riders may do this to signal to other riders and motorists that they need help.

It could be anything from being broken down to something more severe, but whatever the case, the rider is attempting to get attention for some assistance.

A rider will place the helmet behind the back tire of the motorcycle as a way to signal “I’m not just resting here. I need some help.”

As with most things, context matters, meaning you're not going to see this in a grocery store parking lot, but you might see it on the side of a highway or a secluded back road.

So the next time you notice a motorcycle on the side of a road with a helmet behind the back tire, pull over and see if you can help.

Obviously, only do this if you feel it's a safe environment and safe situation to do so.

You'd want someone to do the same for you if you needed help, right?