Effects of repealing the motorcycle helmet law in Michigan

- Helmet use significantly decreased following repeal of Michigan's helmet law.
- There has been an increase in rate of head injury following the repeal.
- Non-helmeted motorcyclists were more likely to present with a GCS ≤ 8.
- Significantly more non-helmeted patients died prior to discharge.
- Only drug/alcohol use was a significant independent risk factor for mortality.

BackgroundIn 2012, Michigan repealed its universal helmet law. Our study assessed the clinical impact of this repeal.MethodsOur trauma database was queried retrospectively for 2 motorcycle riding seasons before and 3 seasons after repeal. On-scene death data was obtained from the Medical Examiner.ResultsHelmet use in hospitalized patients decreased after the helmet law repeal. Non-helmeted patients had a significant increased rate of head injury. Non-helmeted patients were more likely to die during hospitalization. While, helmet use and drugs/alcohol status significantly affected the risk for head injury, only drug/alcohol had a significant effect on overall mortality.ConclusionsFollowing helmet law repeal, helmet use has decreased. Helmet status and drug/alcohol use was found to significantly increase risk of head injury. Although overall mortality was only affected by drug/alcohol use, non-helmeted patients did have a higher inpatient mortality. These findings deserve furthermore study and may provide a basis for reinstating the universal helmet law.