Update from Two States

In Montana, a state without a helmet law, motorcycle deaths in 2005 approached a 20-year high. As of September 26th, there was a 27 percent increase of motorcycle deaths over the same period in 2004 and the highest number since 1985 (Nationwide motorcycle deaths have increased for the seventh year in a row, up nearly 8% last year to 4,008, even as deaths involving other vehicles dropped for the second year in a row – annual NHTSA study). The state Department of Transportation surmises that the increase is likely the result of more riders being on the road. Between 1997 and 2004, motorcycle registrations in Montana nearly doubled. The Department of Transport (DOT) says this increase is probably due to high gas prices and retirees returning to an old hobby. Montana Highway Patrol officers continue to rely on traditional means to curb rider deaths, keeping troopers visible to help reduce speed and reckless driving, and the state supports a motorcycle safety program.

Excerpted from the Daily Interlake, Kalispell, MT, September, 2005

In Florida, a study released by NHTSA found an 81%  increase in the number of motorcyclists killed in the three years following the repeal of the state’s helmet law. From 2000 to 2003, 933 motorcyclists  were killed compared to 515  killed between 1997 and 1999. Correspondingly, the cost of hospital care for injured motorcyclists  rose from US$21 million to US$44 million in the 30 months after the helmet law was repealed in 2000. A second study, released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, found that the rate of motorcycle fatalities increased by 25%  from 2001 to 2002, compared with the two years prior to the repeal of the helmet law. Safety groups argue that less restrictive helmet laws contribute to fatalities and burden society through higher medical costs; some motorcyclist  argue that wearing a helmet should be their choice. Only 20 states and the District of Columbia currently require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, down from 47 states in 1975.

From CDC Public Health Law News, August 10, 2005

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