FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2007
Contact Person: Crissy Rowland
(270) 781-8039 ext. 120
crissyg.rowland@ky.gov
Motorcycle Helmet Use…a No-Brainer
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2005, 4553 motorcyclists died and approximately 87,000 were injured in highway crashes in the United States. Around 1 in 3 of these drivers were speeding or had consumed alcohol. Mary E. Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, noted in a press conference this past February that the crash rate for motorcyclists in the 50 plus age group has increased by over 400%. With head injury and brain trauma being the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, NHTSA estimates that from 1984 through 2005, helmets saved the lives of 17,572 motorcyclists. A study released by Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) found that motorcycle helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmet use saved $1.3 billion in 2002, an additional $853 million would have been saved if all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had worn helmets.
Kentucky ranks approximately 9th in the nation for motorcycle rider fatalities. In 1968 Kentucky put a helmet law into effect that applied to all riders. By 1998 Kentucky was one of six states to weaken a universal helmet use law. Fatalities increased by over 50% and injuries substantially increased by 34%. It was revised requiring helmet use for drivers and passengers under age 21, for those driving with an instruction permit, or for those having an operator’s license for less than a year. There was also a section that required helmet use for those who did not have at least $10,000 of medical insurance coverage, however, this was repealed effective July 2000. Since 1998, helmet use has steadily declined from 96% when the universal helmet use law was in effect to 58% today after the repeal.
The Barren River Health Department’s 8-county district had 490 injuries due to motorcycle accidents between 2000 and 2005. Of this number 29 injuries occurred in Metcalfe County.
Motorcycle helmets provide the best protection from head injury in traffic crashes. NHTSA feels that passing a helmet use law governing all motorcycle riders, is the most effective method of increasing helmet use. They strongly support comprehensive motorcycle safety programs that include motorcycle helmet use, rider education, motorcycle operator licensing, and responsible use of alcohol.
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PROMOTE • PROTECT • PREVENT
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