Using CODES Data to determine the association between universal helmet laws and motorcycle crash outcomes

Introduction: Motorcycle crashes can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of injuries and death.� Universal helmet laws, requiring all motorcyclists to wear approved helmets, are one approach to increase helmet use. Objective: Compare the medical and hospital charge outcomes between motorcyclists in universal vs. partial (helmets required for some motorcyclists, usually based on age, and not others) law states. Methods: Linked data from 18 states (7 with a universal helmet law and 11 with no or partial helmet laws) in the CODES Data Network from 2003 � 2005 were collected. Chi-square tests and logistic regression are used to compare differences between universal and partial helmet law states regarding TBI, head, and facial injuries. Results: There was no difference in average age (37 years) or gender (83% - 86% male) of motorcyclists between universal and partial helmet law states for the 104,472 motorcyclists studied. Motorcyclists in universal helmet law states had lower median ED charges ($1,038 ) compared to motorcyclists in partial law states ($1,242) and lower admitted charges ($19,297 vs. $23,580, respectively). Logistic models showed that motorcyclists in universal law states were less likely to sustain TBI (OR = 0.66, p = 0.01), head injuries (OR = 0.74, p = 0.03), and facial injuries (OR = 0.72, p = 0.03) compared to motorcyclists in partial law states. Implications: Universal helmet laws are associated with decreased morbidity and lower healthcare charges.