A statewide analysis of the incidence and severity of injuries from motorcycle collisions after the Pennsylvania helmet law repeal.

BACKGROUND

Following Pennsylvania's motorcycle helmet law repeal, motorcycle collision (MCC) rates were fixed; however, injuries increased. We investigated post-repeal injury severity. We hypothesized helmeted (H) motorcyclists would have better outcomes than unhelmeted (UH) motorcyclists and outcomes would worsen post repeal.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed (7/1/1998-7/1/2023) MCC patients in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database. We compared H and UH patients and Pre- and Post-repeal data (Pre:1998-2002; Post:2003-2023). Adolescent and geriatric subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We included 36,943 patients: UH:14,069 and H:22,874. UH had higher ISS (p < 0.001), more severe head injuries (p < 0.001), and greater mortality (p < 0.001). Mortality was higher in UH geriatric motorcyclists (p < 0.001) and similar in adolescents (p = 0.129). Despite decreased helmet use post-repeal, ISS (p = 0.003), severe head injuries (p < 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.021) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 62% of motorcyclists wore helmets. Although helmet use decreased post-repeal, outcomes were comparable. Decreased helmet use leaves motorists vulnerable to head injuries and worse outcomes.