Citation

McGwin G, Whatley J, Metzger J, Valent F, Barbone F, Rue LW. J. Trauma 2004; 56(2): 415-419.

Affiliation

Secction of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Division of General Surgery, Departmnet of Surgery, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0016, USA. gerald.mcgwin@ccc.uab.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.TA.0000044625.16783.A9

PMID

14960987

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between motorcycle licensing and operation regulations and motorcycle mortality rates in the United States during 1997 through 1999. METHODS: A population-based ecologic study was used. RESULTS: Lower mortality rates were observed in states with the following motorcycling requirements: skill test for a motorcycle permit (rate ratio [RR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.84), driver training (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74-0.86), longer duration of learner's permits (95-190 days [RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.95] and >190 days [RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93], three or more learner's permit restrictions (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73-0.84), and a full helmet law (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.71-0.81). CONCLUSION: Specific motorcycle licensure policies appear to be associated with lower mortality rates.