Citation

No Author(s) Listed. IIHS Status Rep. 2007; 42(9): 4-5.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Despite the growing increase in motorcycle ridership over the past several years, only 51 percent of riders wear regulation helmets today as compared to 71 percent in 2000. This has contributed to the more than 100 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities in the past ten years. This article focuses on helmets and how an increase in their usage could help reduce motorcycle fatalities. It relates that helmet use laws could be adopted by all states for all motorcyclists, and that states that fail to adopt usage laws could then be penalized. The article looks at the socioeconomic impacts of motorcycle crashes, noting that costs associated with treating motorcycle-related injuries could be reduced by promoting motorcycle rider training programs. Finally, the article looks at encouraging the motorcyle industry in equipping motorcyles with additional safety features such as daytime running lights and airbags. Also included is a sidebar on novelty helmets.