Is It Time for a Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law in Hawaii?
The Hawaii State Department of Health addressed motorcycle rider safety in its injury prevention plan for the years 2012 to 2017. The report began with a review of unsettling statistics from 2005 to 2009, when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than two-thirds of fatally injured motorcycle riders (67 percent) and nearly all of fatally injured moped riders (96 percent) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Likewise, almost 47 percent of motorcycle riders and 86 percent of moped riders were not wearing a helmet in nonfatal crashes.
The Hawaii Injury Prevention Plan (HIPP) also observed that medical costs of nonfatally injured helmeted riders averaged 67 percent lower than the costs of treating riders not wearing helmets, according to Queen’s Hospital Financial System data for 2005 to 2007.
HIPP went on to assert that properly worn helmets reduce the risk of death in a crash by 42 percent and the risk of a head injury by 69 percent. Moreover, NHTSA reports that in states with universal helmet laws, fatality rates, head injuries and overall medical expenses related to motorcycle injuries have been significantly reduced. Finally, from 1968 to 1977, when Hawaii had a universal helmet law due to a federal mandate, motorcycle fatalities decreased by 57 percent. HIPP concluded its discussion of motorcycle safety with a strong call to enact a universal helmet law.
At Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law, we hope Hawaiian legislators will give thoughtful consideration to a proposed helmet law. As personal injury attorneys, we have dealt first-hand with victims of catastrophic motorcycle accidents. Reasonable, common-sense laws might prevent the extreme suffering associated with traumatic brain injuries for many unfortunate riders.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced attorneys can help. To schedule a free consultation, call 808.524.1433 or contact our Honolulu office online.
November 11, 2016 Posted in Motorcycle Accidents Tagged helmet law, motorcycle safety, NHTSA Comments Off on Is It Time for a Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law in Hawaii?
