The effects of motorcycle helmet use between hospitals in states with and without a mandatory helmet law.
BACKGROUND
Motorcycle injuries and mortality are different depending on the use of a helmet. Helmet use varies greatly depending on state laws.


METHODS
Retrospective study using trauma registry data from two Level 1 Trauma Centers in states with (NY) and without (CT) a mandatory helmet law, from 1996 through 1998.


RESULTS
Motorcycle accident victims in both states were similar for sex, age, RTS, TRISS probability of survival, GCS on arrival and ISS. Helmet use was higher in New York than in Connecticut (91% vs 18%, P < .01). Mortality was higher in Connecticut than in New York (15% vs 6%, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The demographics and injury severity of motorcycle accident victims presenting to Level 1 Trama Centers were very similar in the two adjoining states. The most significant difference between the states is that of helmet use. This is closely related to the decreased mortality rate and the higher GCS at discharge seen in the state with the mandatory helmet law.
Proscia
Nicole
N
New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Sullivan
Thomas
T
Cuff
Sara
S
Nealon
Peter
P
Atweh
Nabil
N
DiRusso
Stephen M
SM
Bandanza
Deborah
D
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality*; D000328:Adult; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies