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Louisiana motorcycle fatalities linked to statewide helmet law repeal
Emai Lynn Ho1, Micelle J Haydel
1Louisiana State University Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Orleans, USA.
Background:
On August 15, 1999, Louisiana's mandatory motorcycle helmet law was repealed. Our primary objective was to determine if the repeal resulted in an increase in motorcyclist morbidity and mortality.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the frequency of helmet use and morbidity and mortality before and after the repeal of the law. Fatality statistics for Louisiana were obtained through the National Highway Safety Traffic Association between 1994 and 2002. Injury statistics were totaled for motorcyclists admitted to Medical Center of Louisiana New Orleans during the same period of time.
Results:
Statewide, helmet use decreased 21.2% (p < 0.001, chi-square) after repeal of the helmet law, while locally, helmet use decreased 34.7% (p < 0.001). Fatalities significantly increased after the repeal, both statewide (3.0%-3.9%, p < 0.05) and locally (3.8%-5.8%, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Motorcycle helmet use decreased significantly and motorcyclist fatality rates increased significantly after repeal of the Louisiana mandatory helmet law.
