Evaluation of motorcycle helmet law repeal in Arkansas and Texas

In 1997, Arkansas and Texas became the first states since 1983 to repeal "universal" laws requiring all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Helmet use under the universal law was 97% in statewide surveys (1996 in Arkansas and 1997 in Texas). By May of 1998, observed helmet use had fallen to 52% in Arkansas and to 66% in Texas. Helmet use among all reported injured motorcyclists in Texas dropped from over 90% before the law change in 1997 to 69% in the remainder of the year and to 57% in 1998. Helmet use of injured young riders still covered by the helmet law also declined. Helmet use among motorcyclists receiving EMS services in Arkansas dropped from about 55% in 1996 and in 1997 before the law change, to 33.5% in the remainder of 1997 and to 29% in 1998. Arkansas EMS data showed an increase in the number of motorcyclists with head injuries. Texas Trauma Registry data showed that the proportion of cases involving head injury increased and that the cost per case of treating head injury increased substantially after the law change. Arkansas motorcycle operator fatalities increased by 21% comparing 1998 with 1996. Texas motorcycle operator fatalities increased by 31% comparing 1998 with 1996.