Texas Motorcycle Crash Deaths Up Since Easing of Helmet Law
By Jim Greene
Published on January 29, 2010
Motorcycle crash deaths in Texas have increased since 1997, the year the state's legislature did away with helmet requirements for riders 21 and older. A study published in the Southern Medical Journal shows a 15.2 percent increase through 2003; the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says the trend continued through 2008.
The medical journal study covered the years 1994 through 2003. The 15.2 percent increase was based on calculating deaths proportional to the number of motorcycles registered, to compensate for increased ownership. Without the adjustment, the increase was 30 percent.
Deaths Increased As Soon As Law Was Changed
The motorcycle accident study authors say there was a conspicuous increase in crash deaths in September 1997, the month the change became effective.
The TxDOT spokesman said the increase in motorcycle crash deaths from 2004 through 2008 was 32 percent, based on figures compiled by state agencies for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report on crashes in Texas for that period. He said a slight drop in 2009 deaths corresponded to reduced ridership, possibly the result of the recession.
Helmet use in Texas was at 77 percent in 1996; it dropped to 63 percent in 1997. Current use is estimated at 36 percent.
Helmet Law Changed When Federal Rules Eased
Texas legislators changed the state's motorcycle helmet law when the federal government reversed its policy of withholding some transportation funding from states without a universal helmet law. Since then, only riders under 21 have been required to wear a helmet.
Twenty states and the District of Columbia require universal helmet use. Twenty-eight states require only riders under a specified age to wear a helmet. Three states have no helmet requirement.
Whether or not you wear a helmet, if you've been involved in a motorcycle crash, you need the help of an experienced attorney. You may be facing medical bills, repair bills, loss of income, increased insurance premiums, and other expenses. Your attorney will fight get you the compensation you deserve to meet these challenges and save you from financial distress.
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