Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.
According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), use of Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmets by all motorcyclists (riders and passengers) was 73.8% in 2023. Helmet use increased by 7.3% compared to 2022 and 9.5% over the last 10 years.
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Observed use of DOT-compliant helmets in states with universal helmet laws was significantly higher than in states with weak or no helmet laws (82.7% compared to 65.9%). Use of non-compliant helmets is also greater in states with universal helmet laws, at 11.6% versus 6.0%, respectively.
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Sources:
National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, September). Motorcycle helmet use in 2023 – Overall results (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 813 634). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.