United States: What works to reduce motorcycle injury?

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of alcohol and traffic policies in reducing automobile crashes and fatalities in the USA. Only a few studies have looked at the impact of state-specific policies on motorcycle safety.

Michael French and his colleagues at the University of Miami examined state-specific lonigitudinal data in the USA from 1990 to 1005 to evaluate the effects of alcohol and traffic safety policies on motorcycle rider fatal and non-fatal injuries. For fatal injuries, the national Federal Accident Reporting System (FARS) database was used. For non-fatal injuries, individual states were asked for their data.

Although the primary objective of this analysis was to study the effects of alcohol policy, other variables were analyzed. The findings indicated that policies such as mandatory rider education, universal helmet laws, and lower speed on rural interstates were significantly effective in reducing non-fatal motorcycle injuries. On the other hand, only universal helmet laws are the most reliable and effective as a policy tool in reducing fatal motorcycle injuries.

Although there are data limitations to this analysis, the authors believe that their findings are particularly important given the rise in the popularity of motorcycle riding. They further state that policy changes are especially important given that many motorcyclists misunderstand or simply disregard the increased safety risks relative to operating an automobile. These individuals may be reluctant to abandon their dangerous riding behaviours and may underestimate the value of safety programmes.

French MT, Gumus G, Homer JF. Public policies and motorcycle safety. J Health Econ 2009;28:831-8.

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