CDC Study: Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws Increased Helmet Use

CDC Study: Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws Increased Helmet Use

According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently, cost savings annually are almost four times greater in states with universal motorcycle helmet laws than in states without these comprehensive laws. Universal helmet laws require that motorcycle riders and their passengers wear a helmet every time they ride.

For the study, CDC researchers analyzed data from two national sources: 2008-2010 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data and 2010 data on economic costs saved by motorcycle helmet use, both from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatal crash data from FARS provide an accurate means of determining whether or not riders wore helmets at the time of these severe crashes in each state.

It was proven that universal helmet laws are highly effective strategy for increasing helmet use and protecting motorcycle riders and their passengers. As of May 2012, 19 states and the District of Columbia adapted universal helmet laws, 28 states had partial helmet laws, while three states had no helmet law.

Based on the study, helmets prevent 37 percent of crash deaths among riders and 41 percent among passengers. They also prevent 13 percent of serious injuries and 8 percent of minor injuries to riders and passengers.

CDC is also releasing an updated version of Motorcycle Safety:  How to Save Lives and Save Money (Motorcycle Safety Guide), designed to convey evidence-based motorcycle safety information in an easy-to-use format.

"It’s simple advice — wear a helmet to save your life. Motorcycling is fun and provides riders a sense of freedom, but that also brings responsibility to use proper safety equipment, including helmets,” said Linda C. Degutis, Dr. P.H., M.S.N., director of CDC's Injury Center.

CDC encourages motorcycle riders to:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Never ride a motorcycle after drinking.
• Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection.
• Avoid tailgating.
• Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when travelling over slippery surfaces or gravel.

Posted by George Daniels on Tuesday June 19 2012, 2:29 AM EST. Ref: CDC. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0