Abstract
Motorcycle helmet laws vary greatly in the United States. Currently, all but 3 states require motorcyclists to wear helmets, although some states only apply this mandate to young riders. Some motorcyclists consider laws that mandate helmet use a violation of their personal freedom; others claim that helmets impair their vision and hearing or increase the risk of neck injury despite evidence that these fears are unfounded. Mangus et al reported that persons with a history of motorcycle injury were less likely to use a helmet or protective equipment. This suggests a pattern of persistent high-risk behavior among previously injured motorcyclists. (Author/publisher)