Table of Contents
Why should motorcycle helmets be mandatory?
Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent and reduce the risk of death by 42 percent. When crashes occur, motorcyclists need adequate head protection to prevent one of the leading causes of death and disability in America — head injuries.
Are helmet laws effective?
Statistics support the effectiveness of universal helmet laws. In a review of nine separate studies, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) found: 92 percent to 100 percent helmet use in states with helmet laws covering all riders. 42 percent to 59 percent helmet use under limited laws.
Why we should not wear helmets?
Why people DON’T wear helmets: There have been studies showing that wearing a helmet makes people take more risks and therefore can lead to accidents. Wearing a helmet won’t really protect against life-threatening injuries. Helmets look uncool. Helmets are uncomfortable to wear.
Which states do not require helmets for motorcycles?
Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the only states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws.
Do adults have to wear a bike helmet?
No state currently requires helmets for adult bicyclists, but just under half of U.S. states require the use of helmets by riders under a certain age. So, even though there’s no statewide bicycle helmet law, minors riding in these areas will still need to wear a helmet.
Does New York require helmets for motorcycles?
NYS law requires the use of motorcycle helmets for both drivers and passengers. Protective eyewear is also required. Helmets and eye protection are also required for Class A and B mopeds, those with a top speed of 20 mph or more.
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Michigan?
6 In Michigan, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets, without exception. Those 21 and older may ride without helmets only if they carry additional insurance and have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years.
What are the arguments against motorcycle helmet laws?
Opposition to Motorcycle Helmet Laws. Any effort to enact a universal helmet law can expect immediate, well-coordinated, and highly political opposition ([NHTSA, 2003c]). Helmet law opponents claim that helmet laws impinge on individual rights.
Do Universal helmet laws increase helmet use?
Studies in States that enacted universal helmet laws observed use rates of 90 percent or higher immediately after the law became effective, compared to 50 percent or lower before the law ( [Ulmer and Preusser, 2003], Section II).
Do motorcycle helmets cover low-power cycles?
All low-power cycles are covered by the motorcycle helmet law except that bicycle helmets are acceptable for electric-assisted bicycles. All low-power cycles with an engine displacement greater than 50 cc, brake horsepower greater than 2, or ability to attain speeds greater than 30 mph are covered by the motorcycle helmet law.