Studies, Statistics & Data

The Twisting of Data in Helmet Safety Studies (by Jessica Bosari) – Extensive research has been done on the safety of motorcycle helmets. The most famous study of all, the Hurt Study, shows no question that a helmet protects the head, reducing injury severity. The main question that researchers want to answer is whether the likelihood of neck injury is more significant than the likelihood of a helmet saving the riders life.

New Bike Crash Study – A key U.S. House committee has taken the first step toward updating the famous Hurt Study of motorcycle accidents by with $2 million for detailed safety research.

Condoms and Seat Belts [and helmets] by John Richens, Jan/00. Mr. Richens argues that it is human nature to live with and maintain a certain level of risk. If that level of risk is reduced (or perceived to be) as with seat belts or helmets, there is evidence that we will alter our behavior to increase the risk back to our desired level. With driving/riding increasing speed is often the method used, however going faster will surpass the abiliy of seat belts and helmets to provide the intented safety benefits, thus creating more accidents and/or worse ones.

California Bike Registrations 1991-99 Motorcycle registrations have plummeted since the 1992 Helmet Law. There are 225,000, a whopping 35%, fewer riders today! And of those that do ride, overall… they ride less often.

Maryland Statistics 1985 – 2000 – Instead of a decrease in death’s, there has been a 1.04% increase in the Death to Accident Ratio (DAR) since Maryland’s 1992 Helmet Law.

Goldstein Helmet Study – Here’s the definitive study with all the facts and figures you need. Wearing a helmet is a trade-off between head and neck injuries over 13 MPH. This is a MUST read. Don’t miss the incredible bibliography at the end for additional sources.

Understanding Head & Neck Trauma – By Tony Pan Sanfelipo.