Motorcycle helmets not required by Ohio law, can still save lives

Chuck Boyk

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The number of motorcycle accidents resulting in wrongful death has increased 125% in the past 10 years, according to Parade magazine. Lack of helmet use has contributed to these fatalities, as well as to numerous personal injuries.

US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters states that roughly 700 lives could be saved each year if motorcycle riders wore their helmets. While helmet use is not required by law in all states, including Ohio, it is important to remember that helmets can help prevent significant personal injury or even death in the event of a motorcycle accident. A recent study published by the American Journal of Public Health found that after a helmet use appeal in Pennsylvania, motorcycle helmet use dropped 24 percent, while the head injury deaths in the state increased 66 percent and the head injury hospitalizations increased 78 percent. This appears to prove a direct correlation to helmet use and personal injury prevention in motorcycle accidents.