(WTAJ) -- While most states require all motorcycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet, Pennsylvania is not one of them.
In 2003, Pennsylvania lawmakers repealed a law that required all riders of all ages to wear a helmet. Prior to the repeal, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a number of findings. The NHTSA highlighted that head injuries were the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.
“People will die because of this legislation," State Representative Martin Causer (R) said in 2003. “I urge my colleagues to vote for safety.”
Anti-helmet activists argued that the Pa. helmet law was in direct conflict with the freedom of choice and individual rights. The groups also argued that helmet use can increase the odds of spinal cord damage. However, medical experts stated that there was no evidence to support that helmets could increase spinal cord damage.
Since the repeal, motorcyclists are not required to wear a helmet if:
- They are over 21 years of age or older
- Has either two years of riding experience or completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
In addition, the operator or an occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle or autocycle equipped with an enclosed cab is exempt from wearing a helmet.
Wearing a helmet, although not required, does not limit vision, does not hamper hearing and does not cause neck injuries in the event of a crash.
In 2020, 53% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved someone not wearing a helmet and nearly 42% of motorcycle crash injuries involved someone not wearing a helmet. PennDOT reported around 810,858 licensed motorcyclists that were on the road in 2020.
Despite the correlation between fatal accidents and lack of helmets, lawmakers do not seem to be moving towards making helmets mandatory for riders any time soon.