A study released by the American College of Surgeons, compared rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in states that passed mandatory helmet laws against states that have no helmet laws for motorcyclists. The study found that states with mandatory helmet laws enjoy substantially reduced rates of TBIs among motorcyclists. This post will go over the findings and how they may apply to you.
The study analyzed three states: those that require helmets for under 18 motorcyclists, those that require helmets for riders under 21, and universal helmet laws. The study found significantly reduced rates of TBIs among young motorcyclists in states with universal helmet laws.
In fact, the study concluded that young riders in universal helmet states were 2.5 times less likely to suffer a TBI than their counterparts in partial helmet law states. Specifically, the researchers noted that young riders suffered 282 TBIs for every 100,000 injuries in states with universal helmet laws. Whereas in states with 18 and under laws, the rate was 307, and in 21 and under states, it was 366.
This study illustrates that universal laws help reduce TBI rates, even in groups that are previously required to wear helmets. The study did not explore the reasons for the disparity but did it is possible that states who create cultures of safety with universal laws, enforce good habits and save lives.
Did you suffer a serious injury in an accident? If you did, you might want to contact an attorney – you could have an actionable claim for personal injury. Personal injury lawsuits enable you to pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered, physical and emotional. A lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your contentions to ensure that you receive sufficient damages to pay for your current and future medical bills associated with the accident.