How do helmet laws affect helmet use?
Based on studies of the effects of states’ enactment, repeal, or weakening of universal helmet laws, use approached 100 percent when all motorcyclists were required to wear helmets, compared with about 50 percent when there was no helmet law or a law applying only to some riders.8,9 According to NHTSA, in 2008, 97 percent of motorcyclists observed in states with universal helmet laws were wearing helmets, compared with 90 percent in 2002. In states without such laws, helmet use was 53 percent in 2002 and 54 percent in 2008.
