CDC says Universal Helmet is Beneficial in Saving Lives and Money
A new study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that universal motorcycle helmet laws not only increase the use of the protective headgear, but also save money.
In a June 14media release, the government agency noted that annual cost savings associated with helmet laws were "nearly four times greater" (these statistics are per registered motorcycle) than those states that do not have a requirement for riders to wear helmets.
Helmet laws mandate any individual on a motorcycle, be it driver or passenger, wear a helmet at all times when on the bike. These laws have been put into place to reduce the risk of injury or death when riding. With serious injuries, such astraumatic brain injuryor neck injuries, often attributed to moving vehicle accidents, the helmet laws are designed to combat any potential harm coming from a motorcycle accident.
According toCDC data, as of May 2012, in the U.S., 19 states, and the District of Columbia, employ universal helmet laws, 28 states have a partial helmet law, and 3 states do not require helmets to be worn. Partial helmet laws mean individuals under the age of 21 must wear a helmet.
In the late 1960s-early 1970s, helmet laws were almost universal across the board in the U.S., but over time several statesrepealed helmet lawsand made them less stringent, which is why there is currently a wide range of different helmet laws across the United States.
A 2005 article published byBusiness Weeknoted that with all the changes in helmet laws over the years, this has given researchers some solid data to examine, stating "Repeatedly, research has shown that universal helmet laws reduce deaths and serious injuries among motorcyclists." The article outlines how after laws were repealed, incidences of injuries and deaths related to motorcycle crashes tended to increase.
However, with new research, the CDC says safety is not the only benefit of universal helmet laws, it saves money too. The agency noted that factors such as medical expenses and costs associated with health care, productivity and other costs.
“Increasing motorcycle helmet use can save lives and money,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “In 2010, more than $3 billion in economic costs were saved due to helmet use in the United States. Another $1.4 billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.”
As a point of measure, California, with its universal law, saved $394 million as opposed to New Mexico, which has a partial helmet law, saved a much lower figure of $2.6 million.
The agency continues to highlight the benefits of helmet laws and encourages all riders to wear headgear when on a motorcycle.
