Edition 7				March 15, 2004
- BICYCLES -		Motorcycle Helmets & Use Laws The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that more than 2,200 people are killed and more than 55,000 are injured each year in motorcycle crashes. NHTSA encourages States to enact legislation that requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. NHTSA reported that 20 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require the use of helmets for all motorcycle operators and passengers. [ read more . . . ]			- MOTORCYCLES -
	Studies have shown that 70 to 80 percent of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries, yet only 20 to 25 percent of all bicyclists wear bicycle helmets.					The leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes is head injury.
						A motorcyclist not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15% more likely to suffer a nonfatal injury than a helmeted motorcyclist involved in a crash.
	NHTSA reported that bicyclists aged 14 and under are at five times greater risk for injury than older cyclists nationally.
			Bicycle Helmets & Use Laws Bicycle helmets are the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities caused by bicycle crashes. NHTSA reported that bicycle helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in mitigating head and brain injuries. [ read more . . . ]
						In 2000, it was estimated that for every mile traveled, a motorcyclist was approximately 21 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in an automobile.
	Each year, approximately 400,000 children aged 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms from bicycle-related injuries.
						It has been estimated by NHTSA that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of a crash fatality by 29%.
	NHTSA reported that universal bicycle-helmet use by children aged 4 to 15 would prevent 39,000 to 45,000 head injuries, and 18,000 to 55, 000 scalp and face injuries every year.
ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:
INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY’S Q&A ON MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE LAWS: Common questions and answers on motorcycle helmet laws.
10 SMART ROUTES TO BICYCLE SAFETY Important recommendations for safe bicycling. KIDS, BIKES, SAFETY Practical safety tips for youth. NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ADVANCING BICYCLE SAFETY Actions that can be taken to reduce injury and mortality. BIKEABILITY CHECKLIST Actions to take while biking. CRUISIN’ WITHOUT BRUSIN’ Safe driving practices for motorcycle drivers. WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE HELMETS WE ALL PAY THE PRICE (Kit) A comprehensive motorcycle safety program, the importance of motorcycle helmets, and helmet laws. WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE HELMETS WE ALL PAY THE PRICE (Booklet) Details components of a comprehensive approach to motorcycle safety. NATIONAL AGENDA FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY Overview of motorcycle safety today and a plan for the future. COST OF INJURIES RESULTING FROM MOTORCYCLE CRASHES Summary and critical review of literature on motorcycle injury costs published in the 1990s. DRINKING, RIDING, AND PREVENTION: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY Identifies effective prevention and intervention approaches to motorcyclist fatalities.
George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Public Health has completed several traffic safety campaigns, including those regarding motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycle safety. To learn more about these campaigns and others, visit the following link: http://www.caph.gmu.edu/Campaigns.htm
Funded by a grant from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 27412 Richmond, VA 23269 http://www.dmv.state.va.us				George Mason University Center for the Advancement of Public Health 4400 University Dr., MS1F5 Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 http://www.caph.gmu.edu