· The findings indicated that, on average, 12% of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets in states with universal helmet laws, compared with 64% in partial helmet law states (laws that only required specific groups, usually young riders, to wear helmets) and 79% in states without a helmet law.
· Additionally, in 2010, economic costs saved from helmet use by society in states with a universal helmet law were, on average, $725 per registered motorcycle, nearly four times greater than in states without such a law ($198).
· Information on economic costs saved from helmet use (e.g., medical and productivity costs saved) … were estimated to be $1,212,800 per fatality, $171,753 per serious injury, and $7,523 per minor injury (in year 2010 dollars).
· During 2008-2010, a total of 14,283 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, among whom 6,057 (42%) were not wearing a helmet. In the 20 states with a universal helmet law, 739 (12%) fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet, compared with 4,814 motorcyclists (64%) in the 27 states with partial helmet laws and 504 (79%) motorcyclists in the three states without a helmet law.
· In 2010, approximately $3 billion in costs were saved as a result of helmet use in the United States.
· In 2010, motorcycle crashes made up 14% of all road traffic deaths, yet motorcycles accounted for <1% of all vehicle miles traveled. Helmet use prevents an estimated 37% of fatalities among motorcycle operators and 41% of fatalities among passengers.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - The Centers for Disease control say they want to see a nationwide law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.
The CDC says, "The findings indicated that, on average, 12 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets in states with universal helmet laws, compared with 64 percent in partial helmet law states (laws that only required specific groups, usually young riders, to wear helmets) and 79 percent in states without a helmet law."
They also say it saves money on motorcycle registration costs and medical bills.
In Arkansas, a similar law was voted down several years ago. The CDC says the law helps save lives, while others say they want the choice.
Dr. Todd Maxson is a trauma surgeon and consultant to the Department of Health.
"No doubt there's a difference with and without the helmets. Cases that end up with permanent disability and even vegetative states," Dr. Maxson said. "A few dollars spent on a helmet saves hundreds of thousands of dollars saved in direct medical costs, and then in lifelong costs which is even harder to calculate."
According to the CDC report, it amounted to a savings of nearly $3 billion in 2010.
Josh Pretty with Cycle Gear on University Avenue said many of his customers wear helmets, but others do not.
"You definitely have the people out there that just want the wind in their hair, want their bandana and their sunglasses and just kind of hit the road," Pretty said.
He added it's a road that could change your life, if you hit it the wrong way.
"Just keeping your head intact. The ground is just as hard for someone on a cruiser as it is for someone on a support bike or a scooter for that matter, or a bicycle. I would say wear [helmets]," Pretty said.
In Arkansas, only those 21 and younger are required to wear helmets.