A recently released study by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reaffirms that helmet laws are working and that when it comes to motorcycle accidents, helmets are huge life-savers. According to a recent Consumer Reports report, IIHS recently surveyed 1,800 motorcycle riders in an effort to find ways to prevent fatal crashes. The group found that in states with helmet laws for motorcyclists, 94 percent complied. However, in states where there were no helmet laws, only about half the number of riders bothered to wear a helmet.

There was actually good news from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which announced recently that motorcycle accidents declined in 2009. Based on data collected from state highway agencies, GHSA states that motorcycle accident fatalities have declined by at least 10 percent in 2009 compared with the previous year.

Helmets Reduce Risk of Head Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. An unhelmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal brain injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a nonfatal head injury. NHTSA also estimates that helmets reduce the likelihood of a crash fatality by 37 percent. A Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System study performed by NHTSA found that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries and motorcyclists not wearing helmets are three times more likely to sustain a brain injury.

Helmet Laws Reduce Motorcycle Accident Deaths

Nineteen states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require helmet use for all motorcyclists and passengers. In another 28 states, only those under a certain age, usually 18, are required to wear helmets. Three states do not have helmet laws of any kind. According to NHTSA, since California enacted helmet use laws, there was a 37 percent reduction in motorcycle crash fatalities in the very first year.

Numbers don't lie. These statistics very clearly show that wearing a helmet can prevent catastrophic injuries or death in a motorcycle accident. When a motorcyclist wears a helmet, it is also a sign that the person usually practices safe riding habits and makes safety a priority. Helmets to motorcycles are what seatbelts are to cars. We know they keep us safe. So what's stopping us from using them?

Do you use a helmet when you ride a motorcycle? If not, tell us why?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.