Helmet use, helmet use laws, and motorcyclist fatalities

Abstract

In contrast to the unproven effects of education, the effectiveness of helmets in preventing fatal head injuries, and of helmet use laws in producing near universal compliance among motorcyclists, is supported by a vast quantity of painstakingly documented research. Helmet use laws reduce motorcyclist fatalities by about 30% and their repeal increases fatal injuries by about 40%. If such laws were repealed by all states, over 1,100 additional motorcyclists would die each year. If helmet use laws were reinstated in all states, there would be 600 fewer fatalities annually.