Did Louisiana have a 30% reduction in fatalities when it reenacted a mandatory helmet law 1982 as compared with fatalities from 76 81?
A.) This is a classic “misrepresentation” of the facts. After Louisiana reinstated a mandatory helmet law in 1982, the NUMBER of fatalities decreased ONLY because of a substantial DECREASE in the number of registered motorcyclists. The fatality rate (fatalities/100 accidents) actually went UP, which is contrary to what is implied by the opponents of an adult choice option. Yes, fatality rates for motorcyclists DID increase from 1976 through 1981 in states that modified their mandatory helmet laws. What the anti-choice folks never mention is the fact that fatality rates actually rose slightly HIGHER during the same time period in states that still maintained a mandatory helmet law when compared to “repeal” states. There was also a corresponding increase in fatality rates among drivers of compact vehicles and light trucks. These increases were due to the increased usage of economical transportation by new and inexperienced riders and drivers during the “energy crisis”. This can be easily
A.) This is a classic “misrepresentation” of the facts. After Louisiana reinstated a mandatory helmet law in 1982, the NUMBER of fatalities decreased ONLY because of a substantial DECREASE in the number of registered motorcyclists. The fatality rate (fatalities/100 accidents) actually went UP, which is contrary to what is implied by the opponents of an adult choice option. Yes, fatality rates for motorcyclists DID increase from 1976 through 1981 in states that modified their mandatory helmet laws. What the anti-choice folks never mention is the fact that fatality rates actually rose slightly HIGHER during the same time period in states that still maintained a mandatory helmet law when compared to “repeal” states. There was also a corresponding increase in fatality rates among drivers of compact vehicles and light trucks. These increases were due to the increased usage of economical transportation by new and inexperienced riders and drivers during the “energy crisis”. This can be easily
