Motorcycle Safety Guide: Universal Helmet Laws Increase Helmet Use
(Text Tables)
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The Positive Impact of Strengthening Helmet Laws
Rate of helmet use before and after enacting a universal helmet law3,30,31,32,33
| State (Year of enactment) | Under partial/no law | Under universal law |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska (1989) | 15% | 85% |
| Washington (1990) | 41% | 80% |
| California (1992) | 50% | 99% |
| Maryland (1992) | 25% | 81% |
| Lousiana (2004) | 60% | 99% |
All five states gained a substantial increase in helmet use in the year after the universal
helmet law was enacted.
The Negative Impact of Weakening Helmet Laws
Rate of helmet use before and after repealing a universal helmet law3,34,35,36
| State (Year of repeal) | Under universal law | Under partial law |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (1997) | 97% | 52% |
| Texas (1997) | 97% | 66% |
| Kentucky (1998) | 96% | 65% |
| Louisiana (1999) | 100% | 52% |
| Florida (2000) | 99% | 53% |
| Pensylvania (2003) | 82% | 58% |
All six states showed a substantial decrease in helmet use in the year after the universal
helmet law was repealed.
References
References are located on the Endnotes page.
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