The proper and responsible use of motorcycle helmets by all motorcyclists will dramatically reduce fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Hence, some states make them mandatory for all motorcyclists.
All motorcycle helmets conform to certain standards set by the DOT. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard describes in detail the DOT requirements, which are mandatory and binding for all helmets. Helmets which meet the DOT regulations usually have a DOT approval sticker on the back of the helmet.
The Snell Memorial Foundation provides an additional certification or approval for motorcycle helmets. However, it is optional.
In 1975, almost all states had mandatory helmet laws for everyone. But due to Congressional influence, many states removed or weakened their laws. Today, 20 states and the District of Columbia have made helmet wearing mandatory for motorcyclists; four states have no helmet laws at all. Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire are the four which make helmet-wearing optional. Another 19 states have helmet laws that do not apply to adult riders.
The limited helmet laws are usually based on the assumption that older and experienced drivers don?t need helmets. These states only require them for young people.
Statistics show that reduced helmet use has increased motorcycle deaths over the years. Deaths have shot up by 60%. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows that helmet use among the fatally injured was less than 50%, and that fatalities and deaths are much more common among those above the age of 40. Research shows that head injuries are the most common cause of motorcycle deaths.
