Motorcycle accidents claim far too many lives in Oklahoma. This is why many states have laws in place that mandate the use of helmets while riding. These are safety devices that have been proven to reduce injuries and save lives. They are also useful when it comes to saving health care costs paid by taxpayers.
Motorcycle accidents are more fatal without helmets
Motorcycle accidents have been proven to be far more fatal when the ride involved in the crash is not wearing a helmet. 5,579 motorcycle riders were killed in 2020. At the same time, over 82,000 were injured. The NHTSA estimates that wearing a helmet saved the lives of 1,870 motorcycle riders who were involved in a crash.
According to a recent report issued by the Government Accountability Office, laws requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets are the only way to reduce these fatalities. When laws of this nature are passed, fatalities go down. When these laws are relaxed or repealed, the number of fatal crashes goes back up.
Motorcycle crashes cost taxpayers money
Accidents involving motorcycle riders cost $12.9 billion in health care costs, property damage, and other areas. They also cost a total of $66 billion in harm to society. These costs are among the reasons why health and insurance experts advocate for helmet laws. It should always be kept in mind that these are costs that are passed directly to taxpayers.
Laws requiring the use of helmets for motorcycle rides are currently saving about $17 billion in harm to society per year. Another $8 billion could also be saved if more motorcycle riders would agree to wear helmets. It should also be noted that fatal accidents are 28 times more likely for a motorcycle rider than for a car driver.