Measuring the Use of Motorcycle Helmets

Abstract

According to NHTSA, a universal motorcycle helmet law is the most efficient way to prevent serious injuries to motorcyclists in traffic crashes. However, more than half of all U.S. states do not have a universal helmet law or a law that covers any specific segment of the population; as a result, the average rate of helmet use in the United States is 42% to 59%. Given these circumstances, the investigation and promotion of voluntary helmet use have become of primary interest for many states, motorcycle safety advocates, and NHTSA. To measure the use of helmets effectively and efficiently, it is important to understand how information on helmet use is collected and to identify preferred collection methods. This study discussed the advantages and disadvantages of three common data collection methods for motorcycle helmet use in the United States, including recent technical advances, and presented methodology and findings from an observational survey conducted in 2014.