Motorcycle Safety

Updated February 2013

There were 4,462 motorcyclists killed in 2009 and another 90,000 were injured in traffic crashes. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,829 motorcyclist in 2008, and that 823 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. Helmet use can decrease the severity of injury or the likelihood of death in the event of an accident, and also can reduce the overall cost of medical care. NHTSA estimates that helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcyclist deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Helmet use also may lead to a decline in motorcycle thefts; potential thieves are less likely to have helmets and a rider without a helmet may alert the police to a possible theft. Some groups believe helmet laws are a form of government intrusion and believe safety training for motorcyclists is a better way to keep motorcyclists safe and prevent injuries.

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NCSL Publications

• New! Traffic Safety Trends: State Legislative Action 2012, February 2013, by Anne Teigen and Douglas Shinkle. See Appendix J: Motorcycle Helmet Use Requirements.
• Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action, 2011, No. 36, February 2012, by Anne Teigen and Douglas Shinkle.
• Motorcycle Safety, Transportation Review, January 2012, by Anne Teigen and Douglas Shinkle.
• Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action, 2010, No. 35,  December 2010, by Melissa Savage and Anne Teigen. 
• Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action 2009, No. 34, February 2010, by Melissa Savage, Anne Teigen and Nicholas Farber.
• "Motorcycle Safety," Transportation Review, December 2007, by Anne Teigen. 

State Bill Tracking

• NCSL/NHTSA Traffic Safety Legislation Database (regularly updated, searchable database of traffic safety legislation from all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico)

Other Resources

• American Motorcyclists Association
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Motorcycle Riders Foundation
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NCSL Contacts

• Douglas Shinkle
• Anne Teigen