Mandatory helmet laws for America?

According to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), a federal task force is on the cusp of recommending that all states adopt universal helmet laws for motorcyclists.

The task force believes it will reduce injuries and deaths as well as result in economic benefits.

The AMA believes that motorcyclists would be best served if regulators and legislators focussed on programs to prevent motorcycle crashes from occurring in the first place. The AMA also said that any economic benefits would be insignificant since health care costs related to motorcycle crashes are miniscule in the context of total health care costs nationwide.

"The AMA continues to strongly encourage the use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, sturdy footwear and a properly fitted motorcycle helmet certified by its manufacturer to meet federal safety standards," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. "But we also believe that adults should have the right to voluntarily choose to wear a helmet.

"The AMA strongly advocates helmet use, but helmet use alone is insufficient to ensure a motorcyclist's safety. There is a broad range of measures that can be implemented to improve the skill of motorcycle operators, as well as reduce the frequency of situations where other vehicle operators are the cause of crashes that involve motorcycles."

The Community Preventive Services Task Force, whose 15 members are appointed by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, makes recommendations to the CDC and reports to the U.S. Congress about community preventive services, programs and policies to improve health.

To read the AMA position on voluntary helmet use, click here
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