Introduction: There have been repeated attempts to repeal the universal motorcycle helmet law in Tennessee over the last several years and institute a partial helmet law, which only requires those under the age of 21 to wear a motorcycle helmet. This measure most recently failed in March 2014 by only one vote. The purpose of this research was to document the effect of universal helmet laws in terms of lives saved and economic costs saved in order to provide public health officials as well as the general public with information about the benefits of universal motorcycle helmet laws.

Methods: Data were collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Office of Highway Policy Information.

Results: In 2010, helmet use in Tennessee saved 46 lives and $94 million per 100,000 registered motorcycles due to decreased medical expenditures. The United States are estimated to have saved $3 billion due to helmet use in 2010, but could have saved an additional $1.4 billion if all motorcycle riders had worn a helmet. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of death by 37% and the risk of traumatic brain injury by 69%. States that have repealed universal helmet laws have seen a substantial decline in the rate of helmet use. As an illustrative example, Florida transitioned to a partial helmet law in 2000 and saw helmet usage fall from 99% to 53% the following year.

Conclusions: Motorcycle helmet use is associated with reduced risk of mortality and traumatic brain injury. Motorcycle riders wearing a helmet had lower medical costs compared to unhelmeted riders in an accident. The universal helmet law is associated with the highest rates of helmet use.

Patient Care: This research will improve patient care by reinforcing preventative measures, specifically the importance of wearing a helmet, to help reduce the risk of serious injury and death associated with motorcycle accidents.

Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to 1) Describe the benefits of universal motorcycle helmet laws, and 2) Describe how universal helmet laws are associated with increased helmet usage compared to partial helmet laws.

References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, June 13). Motorcycle Safety, State Helmet Laws: Tennessee. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/mc/states/tn.html 2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Lives and costs saved by motorcycle helmets, 2010. (2012). Washington (DC): National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. Unpublished data. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, June 13). Motorcycle Safety Guide: Motorcycle Deaths and Partial Helmet Laws. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/mc/guide/deaths.html 4. Office of Highway Policy Information, Highway Statistics Series. Retrieved from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics.cfm