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Repeal of universal motorcycle helmet laws linked to 26% increase in crash-related hospital costs

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that repealing universal motorcycle helmet laws resulted in a 26% increase in average inpatient costs per motorcycle crash patient. The policy change led to more severe and expensive injuries, putting pressure on trauma centers and taxpayers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 2, 2026

Motorcycle helmet laws save lives: Study shows universal laws increase helmet use and reduce injury severity

A study found that universal helmet laws in North Carolina resulted in higher helmet use rates (94%) compared to South Carolina (47%), leading to less severe injuries. The study also highlighted the human toll of not wearing helmets, including longer ICU stays and more ventilator support.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2025

Traffic injuries to low-income NYC residents fell 30% in first five years of ‘vision zero’ road safety program, NYU study finds

A new study found that New York City's 'Vision Zero' initiative significantly reduced traffic injuries among low-income residents, with a 30% decrease in the first five years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated this improvement, possibly due to decreased traffic enforcement.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

A better way to ride a motorcycle

A new study from the University of Waterloo used software to predict realistic motorcycle riding behaviors, considering human factors and ergonomic trade-offs. It found that shorter and taller riders require joint adjustments to achieve their preferred riding posture.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalErgonomics·DateMay 6, 2024

Organ donations, transplants increase on days of largest motorcycle rallies

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that organ donations and transplants increase by 21% during the week of large motorcycle rallies, with 26% more transplant recipients per day. The surge in donations does not alleviate the critical shortage of donor organs, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

New motorcycle lighting design could save lives

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new motorcycle lighting design that could help prevent accidents by improving visibility for other drivers. The six-light configuration, which illuminates the full height and width of the bike, was found to reduce response times by up to 0.8 seconds.

SourceRice University·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2022

L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles

A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Counting pandemic behavior to inform public health decisions

Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

You say you don't care about dating a hottie?

A new methodology developed by Northwestern University researchers reveals that people's implicit, split-second responses to physically attractive individuals better predict their attraction to them. This challenges the idea that stated preferences for partners accurately reflect one's true desires.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 5, 2012

Motorcycle helmets hard on hearing

Researchers found that the area underneath the helmet and near the chin bar generates significant noise that reaches riders' sensitive eardrums. Future tests aim to design quieter helmets using the findings, which may be used to save riders' ears.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJul 29, 2011

A look at public policies and motorcycle safety in the US

A recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami and Florida International University found that universal helmet laws are the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. The study also revealed that mandatory rider education programs can reduce non-fatal motorcycle injuries, whil...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateOct 29, 2009