Based on a comparison of fatal crashes involving motorcycles with two riders, at least one of whom was killed, NCSA has estimated helmets to be about 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities. In 2003, there were 3,661 rider deaths in fatal motorcycle crashes. An effectiveness of 37 percent for motorcycle helmets suggests that an estimated 1,158 additional motorcyclists would have died were it not for the fact that they were wearing helmets. Had all motorcyclists consistently worn proper helmets, an additional 640 motorcyclists could have survived otherwise fatal crashes in 2003. Unfortunately, the potential life saving benefits of helmets are not being realized, as fatalities continue to rise in response to declining helmet usage rates. According to the most recent NOPUS survey, only 58 percent of motorcyclists nationally were observed to be wearing helmets. This represents a dramatic decline since 2000, when the usage rate was 71 percent.
Calculating Lives Saved by Motorcycle Helmets
2005
8 pages
Report
No indication
English
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