title: Generalized linear regression analysis of association of universal helmet laws with motorcyclist fatality rates.
abstract: This study evaluates the association of universal helmet laws with U.S. motorcyclist fatality rates from 1993 through 2002 using climate measures as statistical controls for motorcycling activity via quasi-maximum likelihood generalized linear regression analyses. Results revealed that motorcyclist fatalities and injuries are strongly associated with normalized heating degree days and precipitation inches, and that universal helmet laws are associated with lower motorcyclist fatality rates when these climate measures, and their interaction, are statistically controlled. This study shows that climate measures have considerable promise as indirect measures (proxies) of motorcycling activity in generalized linear regression studies.
authors.affiliation: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Research and Administrative Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 3430, Washington, DC 20590, USA. Craig.Morris@RITA.gov
authors.forename: C Craig
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016014:Linear Models; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014887:Weather