Increased Risk of Death and Disability in Unhelmeted Wisconsin Motorcyclists
New data from Wisconsin show the long lasting effects of forgoing a helmet while motorcycling. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Crash Outcome Date Evaluation System (CODES) show that unhelmeted motorcycle riders involved in crashes are:
- more likely to be admitted to a hospital because of their injuries,
- more likely to be admitted to a nursing home or other long-term care facility when discharged,
- more likely to incur significantly higher costs for their medical treatment, and
- more likely to have consumed alcohol prior to driving.
In 2002, almost 2,500 Wisconsin motorcyclists were involved in crashes and less than 30% of those riders wore helmets. Emergency departments (ED) treated 60% of the riders following the crash, and 20% of riders required in-patient care.
While riders with and without helmets were equally likely to be seen in the ED, unhelmeted riders were twice as likely to require in-patient care or to die. Unhelmeted riders were also far more likely to sustain head injuries in a crash. One third of motorcyclists admitted to the hospital and 53.1% of patients who died had head injuries.
Researchers note that a motorcycle helmet is not only beneficial in avoiding head injuries, but the quality of life of riders with serious crash injuries was better among helmet wearers. Wearing a helmet prevented injuries that resulted in death or required further care. They were also more costly to treat.
NHTSA estimates that almost $1 billion is saved each year in crash related costs simply because of helmet use. NHTSA argues that almost twice that much could be saved if ALL motorcyclists wore helmets.
The Wisconsin data suggest that enacting a statewide law requiring helmet use among all motorcycle riders would reduce the number of deaths and sustained injuries. They reveal that there is a correlation between alcohol consumption and unhelmeted motorcyclists. A helmet law in Wisconsin would have an added benefit: police would have an additional reason to stop unhelmeted cyclists and, as a result, potentially reduce the number of intoxicated motorists on state roads.
Sauter C, Zhu S, Allen S, Hargarten S, and Layde PM. Increased risk of death or disability in unhelmeted Wisconsin motorcyclists.Wisconsin Medical Journal 2005;104:39-44.
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