Transportation
Motorcycle Safety
Updated August 2008
The rise in motorcycle and pedestrian deaths contributed to the overall rise of highway fatalities for 2005. There were 4,553 motorcyclists killed in 2005 and another 87,000 were injured in traffic crashes. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,546 motorcyclist in 2005, and that 728 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. Some potential thieves do not have helmets and a rider who is not wearing one may alert the police. 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
- "Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action 2007," Transportation Series No. 32, December 2007, by Melissa Savage, Matt Sundeen, and Anne Teigen.
- "Motorcycle Safety", Transportation Review, December 2007, by Anne Tiegen.
- "Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action 2006," Transportation Series No. 31, March 2007, by Melissa Savage, Matt Sundeen and Jeanne Mejeur.
- "Traffic Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Action 2004," Transportation Series No. 20, December 2004, by Melissa Savage, Matt Sundeen and Jeanne Mejeur.
- "Highway Safety and Public Health: State Legislative Update, 2003," Transportation Series, January 2004, No. 19 by Melissa Savage, Matt Sundeen, Cathrine Chan.
- Motorcycle Safety, Transportation Review Updated July 2001
Other Links
NCSL Contact
Melissa Savage
Anne Teigen
 Traffic Safety page
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