Introduction
Helmet laws vary from state to state in the United States, and even some cities have their own regulations. Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets whenever they are operating a motorcycle, regardless of age and experience level. 29 states have partial helmet laws that require only certain riders, such as those under 18 or 21 years old, to wear helmets when operating a motorcycle. Three other states – Illinois, New Hampshire, and Iowa, do not have helmet laws. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have revealed that universal helmet laws are associated with higher rates of helmet use among motorcyclists. In addition, the NHTSA has found that universal helmet laws result in lower fatality rates for adult motorcyclists than partial helmet laws do. Despite the fact that motorcycles account for only 3% of registered vehicles in America, they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities; thus demonstrating how important it is that all riders comply with any applicable helmet law. Ultimately, by wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, riders can help protect themselves from serious injury or death if an accident occurs.
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