Main Points
- Emergency physicians see firsthand the tragic consequences of motorcyclists who do not wear helmets.
- Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, and helmets provide the best protection from head injuries.
- ACEP and its chapters actively promote adoption and enforcement of motorcycle helmet laws.
- Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders. (NHTSA)
- Everyone is only one step away from a medical emergency.
Why should motorcyclists wear helmets?
- Helmet use is the single most important factor in people surviving in motorcycle crashes. They reduce the risk of head, brain and facial injury among motorcyclists of all ages and crash severities. Unhelmeted motorists are 40 percent more likely to die from a head injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Motorcycle fatalities have increased every year for the past 10 years. Motorcyclists make up 13 percent of all traffic deaths. Motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants in passenger cars.
- 5,290 motorcyclists were killed in 2008, and approximately 96,000 were injured in traffic crashes —compared with 2007 when 5,174 motorcyclists were killed.
- NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,829 motorcyclists in 2008 and that an additional 823 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.
- An estimated 148,000 motorcyclists have died in traffic crashes since the enactment of the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966
Do motorcycle helmets interfere with the operator's ability to hear or see while in traffic?
Wearing a motorcycle helmet does not restrict a rider’s ability to hear traffic signals or visual acuity needed to safely change lanes. There is also evidence that indicates helmets do not increase the risk of cervical spine injuries.
What laws are in place to require motorcycle helmet use?
In 2008, 20 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico required helmet use by all motorcycle operators and passengers. In another 28 states, only persons under a specific age, usually 18, were required to wear helmets. Two states had no laws requiring helmet use.
Congress in 1995 repealed a federal law linking highway funds to state helmet laws, which has resulted in the challenge of many state laws in recent years.
What have been the effects of repealing motorcycle helmet laws?
Devastating. Repealing state laws increases the number of deaths and injuries from motorcycle crashes. For example, Pennsylvania repealed its motorcycle helmet law in 2003. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the repeal had lethal consequences, with motorcycle fatalities increasing in the state from 158 in 2004 to 205 in 2005 (and motorcycle helmet use decreasing from 82 percent to 58 percent). The Pennsylvania law gained national attention in 2006 when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was significantly injured in a motorcycle crash and was not wearing a helmet.
What impact have laws related to motorcycle helmets had on saving lives?
It the single most effective strategy to prevent death and serious injury. NHTSA estimates that nearly 20,000 motorcyclists were saved by helmets between 1984 and 2006. It also estimates that more than 12,000 people might have been saved had they worn helmets.
What else can be done to reduce motorcycle related deaths and injury?
In addition to encouraging states to enact legislation to require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, other positive measures include establishing comprehensive public education programs about rider education, motorcycle operator licensing and responsible use of alcohol.
For more information, visit www.EmergencyCareForYou.org
