In June 2006, 51 percent of motorcyclists in the United States used DOT-compliant helmets, a 3-percentage-point increase from the 2005 rate. However, 2005 was considerably lower than the year 2000 where over 70% of cyclist wore helmets. This information was published in a report by NHSTA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
Source: Motorcycle Helmet Use in 2006 „Ÿ Overall Results NHSTA
The reports goes on to say that states where motorcycle helmet use is not required by law, the percentages are considerably less. At this time, the state of Texas does NOT require the use of motorcycle helmets. As a result, Texas state does NOT take advantage of state funded incentives offered to those states requiring seat belt and helmet use.
"The U.S. Department of Transportation is working with states to promote seat belt use, providing more than $123 million in 2006 incentive grants to states with primary seat belt laws. The DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also coordinates the national Click It or Ticket law enforcement campaigns, which mobilize thousands of police agencies across the country to vigorously enforce state belt laws." -- from NHSTA Press Release dated Nov. 28, 2006
Posted by E. Michael Grossman, Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
