It's official: motorcycle helmets save lives. According to the results of a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fewer motorcyclists die in states that require helmets.
Through 2008-2010, the CDC looked at traffic fatality data from each state. They determined that out of the over 14,000 motorcycle fatalities that occurred nationwide, only 12 percent of those were deaths from states that required motorcyclists to wear helmets.
The CDC also points out the costs associated with motorcycle accidents. According to Dr. Thomas Frieden, CDC director, almost $1.5 billion dollars could've been saved in 2010 if every motorcyclist on the road would've worn a helmet.
Currently, only a handful of states require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Unfortunately, the state of Texas isn't one of them. As long as riders are over the age of 21, complete a motorcycle training course and obtain health insurance they can ride helmet free.
To some, this may be the reason for the 429 motorcyclists who were killed on Texas roadways all throughout the state including auto accidents in Austin and other parts of East Texas. Unfortunately, the Texas Transportation Institute's Center for Transportation Safety says that this number could double by 2015.
Source: CDC: Motorcycle helmet laws reduce deaths, Associated Press, June 14, 2012.
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