By Ellen Kuwana
Neuroscience for Kids Staff Writer
October 4, 2002
There is no doubt that helmets protect the
brain. However, this line of reasoning is not always strong enough to
compel motorcyclists to wear their helmets. Now a study has provided
evidence that may hit unhelmeted motorcyclists in a place other than their
heads -- their wallets! The study, published in the September 2002 issue
of the Journal of Trauma, concludes that unhelmeted motorcyclists
have higher hospital bills and suggests that therefore they should pay
higher insurance premiums.
Researchers analyzed the cases 216 motorcyclists who were involved in
motorcycling accidents and admitted to the University of Michigan hospital
from 1996 to 2000. Despite a Michigan state law requiring all
motorcyclists to wear helmets, 42 of the 216 riders (19%) were not wearing
helmets when they crashed. The average motorcyclist who crashed while not
wearing a helmet racked up $6,000 more in hospital bills than those
wearing helmets. (Average inpatient costs for helmeted rider: $31,158;
average inpatient costs for an unhelmeted rider: $37,317.) The study found
that riders who were not wearing helmets were also more likely to be
uninsured. The study suggests that higher insurance premiums for
unhelmeted riders may motivate motorcyclists to use their helmets.
Did you
know?
Currently only 25 states and Washington DC have laws requiring all
riders on motocycles to wear helmets. (Source: NHTSA)
References and further information:
"Trauma: Putting a Premium on Helmets," New York Times, September
24, 2002.
Brandt, M-M., Ahrns, K.S., Corpron, C.A., Franklin, G.A., Wahl, W.L.
"Hospital Cost is Reduced by Motorcycle Helmet Use," Journal of
Trauma, September 2002, 53:469-471.
There is no doubt that 
Researchers analyzed the cases 216 motorcyclists who were involved in
motorcycling accidents and admitted to the University of Michigan hospital
from 1996 to 2000. Despite a Michigan state law requiring all
motorcyclists to wear helmets, 42 of the 216 riders (19%) were not wearing
helmets when they crashed. The average motorcyclist who crashed while not
wearing a helmet racked up $6,000 more in hospital bills than those
wearing helmets. (Average inpatient costs for helmeted rider: $31,158;
average inpatient costs for an unhelmeted rider: $37,317.) The study found
that riders who were not wearing helmets were also more likely to be
uninsured. The study suggests that higher insurance premiums for
unhelmeted riders may motivate motorcyclists to use their helmets.
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