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Study Proves Benefits of Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws

States that have them saved almost four times more per registered motorcycle than those without these laws, according to the study in CDC's MMWR.

  • Jun 18, 2012

Annual cost savings in states with universal motorcycle helmet laws for motorcycle riders and passengers were nearly four times more per registered motorcycle than in states without them, according to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report study.

Annual medical, productivity, and other costs ranged from a high of $394 million in California (which has a universal helmet law) to a low of $2.6 million in New Mexico (which has a partial law). Partial helmet laws require that certain riders, such as those younger than 21, wear helmets. The analysis of fatal crash data from 2008 to 2010 showed 12 percent of motorcyclists in states with universal helmet laws were not wearing helmets, but 64 percent of riders were not wearing helmets in states with partial helmet laws and 79 percent weren't wearing helmets in states with no helmet laws.

As of May 2012, 19 states and Washington, D.C. had universal helmet laws, 28 states had partial helmet laws, and three states had no helmet law.

"Increasing motorcycle helmet use can save lives and money," said CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH. "In 2010, more than $3 billion in economic costs were saved due to helmet use in the United States. Another $1.4 billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets."

CDC researchers analyzed data from two national sources for this study: 2008-2010 Fatality Analysis Reporting System data and 2010 data on economic costs saved by motorcycle helmet use from NHTSA. For more information about motorcycle safety, visit www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety.

Comments

Wed, Feb 20, 2013 Larry Buckfire Southfield, MI

Whether you are traveling across the country or around town I would highly recommend downloading the new free “Motorcycle Helmet Laws App” created by the ” DOT of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.. The app, available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android, allows riders to access important helmet law information for international and cross-country bike trips. There are also many other cool features of the app as well, including GPS Bike Finder and Biker Discounts. To download the app search for “Motorcycle Helmet Laws” on iTunes or Google Play Store. More information about the app can be found here: http://bit.ly/MIMotorcycleAccidentLawyers

Fri, Jun 22, 2012 Editor

Mandatory helmet laws are not coddling anyone. The individual who chooses not to wear a helmet and suffers a disabling injury is not the only person having to deal with the consequences. I do not agree that these laws are a nuisance or an invasion of privacy; they are necessary and common sense. Jerry Laws, OH&S editor

Fri, Jun 22, 2012

It's all about money and politics. If the individual chooses not to wear a helmet then let them deal with the consequences. These riders are not children stop trying to coddle them and tell them what's best. It's a damn shame that we make laws for crap like this. Americans are too damn nosey!! Some people need to mind their own business

Wed, Jun 20, 2012 Fisch MS

Don't be selfish and self righteous... The costs associated with not wearing a helmet do not just effect you and your taxpayer rights, they affect all taxpayers and you have to think about the costs associated with your time lost away from work should you be so lucky to survive the accident... It truly is not just about you, your decision could permanently affect your ability to work again, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury, then who is going to pay the taxes?

Tue, Jun 19, 2012 Bill Suncook NH

Stop with trying to tell people what to do and how to live. You know what, it may save money in the big picture when wearing a helmet or having a helmet law as stated. But let us do what we want when it doesn't involve anyone else. I pay taxes for EMT's, fire and police personnel etc. So if I do not want to where a helmet I shouldn't be forced to.

Mon, Jun 18, 2012

Drivers of vehicles have to wear seat belts; drivers of motorcycles should have to wear helmets.... "Don't be brainless" (meaning stupid and literally without a brain), wear a helmet.

Mon, Jun 18, 2012

How much money would be saved and injuries avoided, if All Motorists wore helmets? Why just limit it to two wheel vehicles. It seems tht the absolute cost of injuries resuling from automobile accidents would be much greater due to the large number of 4 wheel operators vs 2 wheel.

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