California Helmet Law was implemented on January 1, 1985, covered ages 15, 6 months or younger. The law covering all riders took effect January 1, 1992.
Motorcycle helmet laws vary widely among the states and have changed a lot in the past half a century. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, known as universal helmet laws. Laws requiring only some motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 28 states. There is no motorcycle helmet use law in three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire).
See motorcycle helmet laws history at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Compared with cars, motorcycles are especially dangerous. This is why wearing a helmet is so important. Helmets are the principal countermeasure for reducing crash-related head injuries, the leading cause of death among unhelmeted riders.
Helmets decrease the severity of injury, the likelihood of death, and the overall cost of medical care. They're designed to cushion and protect riders' heads from the impact of a crash. Just like safety belts in cars, helmets can't provide total protection against head injury or death, but they do reduce the incidence of both.
To learn more about Helmet Use Laws, visit Auto and Road User Journal.
Check out On the Road Safety Topics, Tips & Training from NSC.org.