Autopsy study of motorcyclist fatalities: the effect of the 1992 Maryland motorcycle helmet use law.
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| Title: | Autopsy study of motorcyclist fatalities: the effect of the 1992 Maryland motorcycle helmet use law. |
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| Authors: | Auman KM (AUTHOR), Kufera JA (AUTHOR), Ballesteros MF (AUTHOR), Smialek JE (AUTHOR), Dischinger PC (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Public Health. Aug2002, Vol. 92 Issue 8, p1352-1355. 4p. |
| Subjects: | Motorcycle helmets -- Law & legislation, Autopsy, Motorcycling accidents, Motorcycling injuries |
| Geographic Terms: | Maryland |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the impact of Maryland's all-rider motorcycle helmet law (enacted on October 1, 1992) on preventing deaths and traumatic brain injuries among motorcyclists. METHODS: Statewide motorcyclist fatalities occurring during seasonally comparable 33-month periods immediately preceding and following enactment of the law were compared. RESULTS: The motorcyclist fatality rate dropped from 10.3 per 10 000 registered motorcycles prelaw to 4.5 postlaw despite almost identical numbers of registered motorcycles. Motorcyclists wearing helmets had a lower risk of traumatic brain injury than those not wearing helmets (odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.14, 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Maryland's controversial motorcycle helmet law appears to be an effective public health policy and may be responsible for saving many lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the impact of Maryland's all-rider motorcycle helmet law (enacted on October 1, 1992) on preventing deaths and traumatic brain injuries among motorcyclists. METHODS: Statewide motorcyclist fatalities occurring during seasonally comparable 33-month periods immediately preceding and following enactment of the law were compared. RESULTS: The motorcyclist fatality rate dropped from 10.3 per 10 000 registered motorcycles prelaw to 4.5 postlaw despite almost identical numbers of registered motorcycles. Motorcyclists wearing helmets had a lower risk of traumatic brain injury than those not wearing helmets (odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.14, 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Maryland's controversial motorcycle helmet law appears to be an effective public health policy and may be responsible for saving many lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00900036 |
| DOI: | 10.2105/AJPH.92.8.1352 |
