Individuals who travel on motorcycles are 30 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle crash than those who travel by car. This statistic, provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, is a major reason why many safety advocates are urging Congress to make changes to how state grant monies are appropriated to reduce motorcycle fatalities.

Between 1997 and 2008, motorcycle fatalities across the United States more than doubled. During 2011, roughly 4,500 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. Many of those individuals involved in motorcycle crashes who perished were likely not wearing protective helmets.

While helmets have been proven to be effective in saving the lives of motorcyclists involved in crashes, only 19 states currently have laws requiring helmets. In Ohio, only individuals age 17 and younger are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Because so few states have helmet laws, many motorcyclists chose not to wear a helmet.

During the last six years, the NHTSA has awarded nearly $46 million dollars in grants to states aimed to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities. Congress, however, dictated that states only use monies awarded via federal grants for motorcycle safety awareness and training programs.

Crash tests and statistical data prove that helmets are effective in saving the lives of motorcyclists involved in crashes. Despite there being no helmet laws, in order to prevent serious injury or death, Ohio motorcyclists would be wise to wear a helmet when riding their motorcycle.

Source: The Detroit News, "GAO: Give states more flexibility to reduce motorcycle deaths," David Shepardson, Nov. 28, 2012