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A universal helmet law is something that would require any and all motorcyclists to utilize a helmet while riding. The GHSA states that, due to a federal law which tied highway funds to universal helmet laws, nearly every state had such a law on its books by 1975. However, one year later, Congress took away the federal government's ability to penalize states for failing to have a universal helmet requirement. Today, there is now a patchwork of helmet laws in the United States:

The NHTSA reported that helmets were the reason of 1,859 saved lives during the 2016 year in the United States. The agenc also noted that if all riders had worn their helmets, as many as 802 additional lives could have been saved. Here's what the NHTSA estimates: 

• 37 percent effective among motorcycle riders
• 41 percent effective among motorcycle passengers.

In states without helmet laws, up to 60 percent of the motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2016 were not using a helmet. In states that abide by universal helmet laws, the figurwas at 8 percent. Nevertheless, the rate of helmet utilization among motorcyclists in the United States was approximately 65 percent in 2016. 

WHAT MAKES A SAFE HELMET? 

All helmets in the U.S. must bear a sticker indicating they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. This sets the minimum levels of performance to be satisfied in order to protect a motorcyclists in the event of an accident.

If a helmet label suggests that it meets the standards of private organizations such as the Snell Foundation or American National Standards Institute, it is an indicator that the helmet meets the safety standard.

Here are a few items that help make these safety standards: 

• Thick inner liners 
• Sturdy chin strap and solid rivets
• Approximately 3lbs
• Nothing to exceed further than 2/10-inch from the helmet's surface
• A certified manufacturer's label

ADDITIONAL GEAR TO CONSIDER? 

In addition to wearing safe and effective headgear, motorcyclists are encourage to utilize other forms of riding gear to keep them protected in the event of an accident.

Here are a few items to consider to extend the level of safety for your ride: 

• Strong, durable jacket
• Boots to cover the ankle
• Ballistic nylon bottoms
• Gloves

For more information on motorcycle safety gear and what expert proponent have to say about universale helmet laws, be sure to check out this helmet law expert resource.