Document Type

Poster

The Efficacy of a Universal Helmet Law in Reducing Traumatic Brain Injuries

Authors

Elizabeth J. HothamFollow
Jenna MillerFollow
Juliet GriffithFollow
Whitney PoitrasFollow

Associated Faculty

Dr. Valerie Herbert

Sponsoring Academic Department

School of Nursing

Publication Date

2025

Abstract/ Summary

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a large contributor to death and disability in motorcycle crashes, with laws limited to riders over 18 years requiring a helmet to be worn. This literature review focuses on the implementation of universal helmet laws that can lower the rates of TBIs associated with motorcycle accidents. To understand the impact of helmet laws and educational efforts on helmet usage and TBI reduction, a search was conducted using databases of: CINAHL, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Key search terms included TBI*, helmet law*, ICU*, head injury*, and motorcycle*, resulting in 10 relevant articles that were used to conduct this literature review. These topics must be related to the effects of education on individuals over 18 years, TBI outcomes, and already existing helmet laws. Exclusion criteria consist of articles published before 2020, research regarding minors, and non-motorcycle-related TBIs. A key limitation of the search includes the difficulty of finding current, state-based sources. The findings revealed an increase in non-compliance with helmet-wearing, lack of education regarding the benefits, and inadequate existing policies. Further findings demonstrated that riders who do not wear helmets are more susceptible to TBIs, and education can play a large role in teaching helmet compliance. Additionally, helmet usage rates were shown to increase following the passage of laws in certain areas of the United States. Therefore, implementing a universal helmet law prioritizes safety, and motorcycle helmet compliance can lead to a decrease in the number of TBIs associated with non-compliance.

Repository Citation

Hotham, Elizabeth J.; Miller, Jenna; Griffith, Juliet; and Poitras, Whitney, "The Efficacy of a Universal Helmet Law in Reducing Traumatic Brain Injuries" (2025). Non-Thesis Student Work. 73.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/73

Version

other