Motorcycles

47 of 50 states have some type of motorcycle helmet legislation. Only Iowa, Illinois and Colorado have no motorcycle helmet law. Twenty states require helmet use for all riders and passengers while 27 others require helmets only for riders under age 18.

During 2003, Iowa motorcycle fatalities totaled 51, which is 10 more than the 41 deaths in 2002.

Since 2000, Iowa motorcycle fatalities have increased 70% (from 30 to 51).

Over the last five years, more than 85% of all persons killed while riding motorcycles in Iowa were not using helmets.

Nationally, over 3,200 motorcyclists and moped riders were killed in 2002.

Iowa's population of motorcycle operators is growing older. Iowans ages 45-54 represent 18% of all licensed drivers, but they make up 34% of all licensed motorcycle operators.

Nearly 6 of 10 Iowa operators are of age 45 or older.

During 2001, an estimated 200 motorcyclists were seriously injured in Iowa.

While motorcycle crashes account for less than 2% of all reported crashes in Iowa, they account for 8% of all fatalities and 6% of all serious injuries in the state.

National estimates indicate that the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled for motorcycles is at least 15 times greater than the rate for passenger cars.

Iowa had a helmet law from September 1, 1975 to July 1, 1976. Fatality rates per 10,000 motorcycle registrations were 40% lower during that time than for the same time period one year prior.

Fatality rates during the helmet law were 30% lower than for the same time periods in 1976 and 1977.

National figures indicate that nearly 2/3 of all motorcycle/passenger vehicle crashes involve passenger vehicle operator error.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and twice as likely to suffer serious head injuries compared with riders wearing helmets.

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