Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Repeal of the Michigan helmet law: early clinical impacts
Alistair J Chapman1, Rachel Titus1, Hannah Ferenchick1
1Department of General Surgery, Michigan State University and Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, 221 Michigan NE Street 200A, Mail Code 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
Background:
Michigan repealed a 35-year mandatory helmet law on April 13, 2012. We examined the early clinical impacts at a level 1 trauma center in West Michigan.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes among motorcycle crash victims in a 7-month period before and after the helmet law repeal.
Results:
One hundred ninety-two patients were included. After the repeal, nonhelmeted motorcyclists rose from 7% to 29% (P < .01). There was no difference in mortality rate after admission; however, crash scene fatalities increased significantly. Intensive care unit length of stay, mechanical ventilation time, and cost of stay were also higher in the nonhelmeted cohort (P < .05).
Conclusions:
Our study highlights the negative ramifications of repealing a mandatory helmet law. Motorcyclists not wearing helmets increased significantly in a short period of time. Nonhelmeted motorcyclists more frequently died on the scene, spent more time in the intensive care unit, required longer ventilator support, and had higher medical costs.
