Importance of Motorcycle Helmets

Wearing a helmet can reduce the impact of a motorcycle accident.

In recent years, motorcycle safety has become an increasing concern among advocates for safe roads. Between 1997 and 2006, motorcycle-related fatalities increased by 127 percent, according to 2006 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This data also shows that helmet use by motorcyclists significantly reduces chance of injury in an accident.

Statistics

The NHTSA reported that in 2006, 65 percent of motorcycle fatalities resulted from riders not wearing a helmet in states with no all-rider helmet laws, whereas 13 percent of fatalities resulted from riders not wearing a helmet in states with all-rider helmet laws.

State laws

Twenty-one states and the District Columbia require all motorcycle riders to wear helmet. Twenty-seven states have laws covering some riders, including riders under 18. Three states -- Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire -- have no helmet laws.

Repeals

In recent years, some states have repealed helmet laws. Two years after Pennsylvania repealed its law, head injuries related to motorcycle accidents increased. The NHTSA maintains that helmets are crucial in preventing injury on the road.

References

• Advocates for Highway And Auto Safety: Fact Sheet - Motorcycle Helmets
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Motorcycle Helmet Use And Head And Facial Injuries
• Science Daily: Head Injuries Increase Dramatically After Motorcycle Helmet Law Repeal