Omaha Motorcycle Helmet Information

In 2010, 4,502 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S., a slight increase from the 4,469 in 2009. In addition, over 83,000 motorcyclists were injured. Many of these injuries and deaths could have been prevented if more motorcycle riders and their passengers wore helmets.

Wearing a helmet lowers a motorcycle rider’s risk of fatal injury by 37%. Despite the documented effectiveness of helmets, many motorcyclists choose not to wear them, especially when state laws don’t require helmet use.

Currently, only 20 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require helmet use by riders of all ages. Nebraska law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,550 motorcyclists in 2010. And if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 706 lives could have been saved.

Per vehicle mile traveled in 2010, motorcyclists were about 30 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 5 times more likely to be injured. While motorcycles made up no more than 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., motorcyclists account for 14% of total traffic deaths.

Motorcycle Injury Statistics

In 2010, 35% of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to:

• 23% for passenger car drivers
• 19% for light-truck drivers
• 8% for large-truck drivers

In Nebraska, motorcyclists are subject to the same speed restrictions as other vehicles. N.R.S.§ 60-6,306. All motorcyclists are required to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent. Any speed in excess of the following speeds is evidence of unreasonable driving:

• 20 mph in a business district
• 25 mph in a residential district
• 75 mph on interstate highways
• 65 mph in other locations