According to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 20,000 motorcyclists’ lives could have been saved in the U.S. since the mid-1970s if stronger helmet laws had been in place. The research found that if all states had required motorcyclists to wear helmets from 1976 to 2022, a total of 22,058 deaths could have been prevented, representing 11 percent of all rider fatalities during that period.
“Requiring all riders to wear helmets is a commonsense rule, much like requiring people in cars to buckle up,” stated IIHS President David Harkey. “We have a responsibility to protect everyone on our roadways through smart policy.”
State Helmet Laws
Currently, only 17 states and Washington, D.C., have universal helmet laws. In contrast, motorcyclist deaths have reached record highs, with more than 6,000 fatalities in both 2021 and 2022. Expanding helmet laws to all states could reduce motorcycle deaths by up to 10 percent. While additional measures—like improved crash prevention technology and mandatory antilock brakes—are necessary, helmet laws remain a crucial part of a broader Safe System approach to rider safety.
“Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective actions motorcyclists can take to reduce the risk of death or serious brain injury,” said Eric Teoh, IIHS Director of Statistical Services and the study’s author. “We recognize that some motorcyclists may oppose such mandates, but these laws could save hundreds of lives each year. These are not just statistics—they represent friends, parents, and children.”
Federal Safety Act
Universal helmet laws were first introduced in 1967 after the National Highway Safety Act tied them to eligibility for certain highway safety and construction funds. By mid-1975, 47 states and Washington, D.C. had adopted these laws. However, after removing the funding requirement in 1976, most states began weakening or repealing their helmet laws, even as seat belt laws became stricter.
Teoh’s study assessed the human cost of unhelmeted riding by comparing fatalities of helmeted and unhelmeted riders in states with and without universal helmet laws. Using previous research, which shows a 37 percent reduction in the risk of fatal injury when wearing a helmet, he estimated how many lives could have been saved each year if helmet laws had been enforced universally from 1976 to 2022.
While helmet use has increased overall, the study showed that helmet usage was consistently two to three times higher in states with universal helmet laws compared to those without. Teoh’s analysis also revealed the ongoing loss of life due to lax helmet laws, with annual fatalities ranging from 182 in 1976 to 673 in 2021. Although helmet use was higher in 2021, fewer states had all-rider helmet mandates in place compared to earlier years.
State Statistics
California saw the highest number of excess deaths—2,536—primarily due to its large population and extensive riding season. However, since enacting a universal helmet law in 1992, the state has averted further excess fatalities. In contrast, states like Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and South Carolina, which still permit unhelmeted riding, continue to experience rising death tolls.
“Implementing a universal helmet law is a straightforward change that could significantly and immediately lower fatality rates,” Harkey emphasized. “With 6,000 motorcyclists dying annually, it’s alarming that such legislation isn’t already in place nationwide.”
Safety Considerations
In addition to wearing helmets, motorcyclists can enhance safety by following a few key practices. Always wear protective gear, including gloves, jackets, and boots, to minimize injury in crashes. Ride defensively by staying aware of your surroundings and maintaining visibility with headlights and bright clothing. Keep safe speeds and distances to avoid sudden hazards.
Regular motorcycle maintenance is crucial—check tire pressure, brakes, and lights frequently. Safety training courses can also sharpen riding skills, especially for emergency situations. Finally, consider motorcycles with modern safety features like antilock brakes. These practices, along with universal helmet laws, can significantly reduce rider fatalities and make roads safer.
See Also — Minivans Fall Short on Rear-Seat Safety
Information derived from an IIHS press release. Inset image from Adobe Stock Images. Featured photo from IIHS.
