Motorcycle Helmets Increase Chances of Survival by 29%

OFF THE WIRE

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey, riders wearing a helmet have a 29 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without a helmet.

But only 19 states, plus the District of Columbia have universal motorcycle helmet laws that require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet. Another 28 states have partial helmet laws that do not require adults to wear a helmet, and three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) do not have any helmet laws or restrictions.

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State by State Look at Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Use Laws

�A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment that a motorcyclist has,� said Steve Stojanovich, director of GEICO�s motorcycle/RV division. �Because motorcycle regulations vary from state to state, it�s important that riders become aware of the dangers they face if they ride without one.�

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey also found that motorcycle helmet use in the U.S. remained at 60 percent in 2013, unchanged after a significant drop from 66 percent between the years 2010 � 2012. Helmet use continues to be significantly higher in states that have universal helmet laws.

Stojanovich mentioned that all motorcyclists should wear a Department of Transportation � approved helmet even if it�s not the law in your state. �Make sure the helmet includes a face shield or protective eyewear to minimize severe injuries in case of an accident,� said Stojanovich.

States with universal helmet laws include: Alabama, California, DC, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

States with partial helmet laws include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Source: GEICO