The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages states to enact legislation that requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Motorcycle helmets provide the best protection from head injury for motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes. The passage of helmet use law governing all motorcycle riders is the most effective method of increasing helmet use. Additionally, NHTSA strongly supports comprehensive motorcycle safety programs that include motorcycle helmet use, rider education, motorcycle operator licensing, and responsible use of alcohol.

Key Facts:

In 2004, 4,008 motorcyclists died and approximately 76,000 were injured in highway crashes in the United States.

Per mile traveled in 2003, a motorcyclist is approximately 32 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a passenger car.

Head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. An unhelmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a nonfatal injury than a helmeted motorcyclist when involved in a crash.

NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of a crash fatality by 37 percent.

A Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) study found that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries and that unhelmeted motorcyclists involved in crashes were three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those wearing helmets.

NHTSA estimates that from 1984 through 2004 helmets saved the lives of 16,019 motorcyclists. If all motorcycle operators and passengers had worn helmets during that period, NHTSA estimates that 10,838 additional lives would have been saved.