The Effect of Motorcycle Helmet Usage on Head Injuries, and the Effect of Usage Laws on Helmet Wearing Rates

摘要

The report summarizes data from special studies conducted in four States (Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma) that repealed their motorcycle helmet use laws. Riders without helmets had twice the overall head injury rate as helmeted riders and up to six times the critical or fatal head injury rate. Helmet usage in these States decreased sharply after their helmet laws were repealed. Data from the NHTSA Fatal Accident Reporting System indicated that States with a comprehensive helmet law had significantly higher usage in fatal crashes than States with a partial or non-existent requirement. The State studies also showed that head injury rates increased after helmet law repeal. A detailed accident investigation study in Southern California indicated that helmet wearing had no adverse impact on the causation or increased severity of motorcycle accidents.