Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws are Cause for Concern

In 1967, the federal government required states to have laws making motorcycle riders wear helmets in order to qualify for certain federal safety programs and highway construction funds. Most states complied with this to receive the funding.
The federal requirement for funding qualification in regards to helmets was repealed in 1976. Since that time, the number of states with helmet regulations has dropped significantly.

Only 19 states and Washington DC require motorcycle riders to wear helmets at all times. Three states, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire, have no helmet regulation at all. Twenty-eight states, including Pennsylvania, have laws requiring motorcycle helmets for some riders; usually new drivers and minor passengers.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) are working to renew the safety debate in states, like Pennsylvania, where there is no universal helmet law. According to their statistics, in 2012, 39 motorcyclists were fatally injured in Pennsylvania accidents because they were not wearing helmets. The AHAS push is simple, helmets save lives in motorcycle accidents. They are also pushing for Pennsylvania to move non seat belt use to a primary offense; currently it is only a secondary offense.

This safety push to reduce motorcycle accident injuries has initiated a debate among Pennsylvanian’s between the freedom of choice and motorcycle accident safety. The republican representative from the 79th district, Rep. John McGinnis, is not in favor of a universal helmet law. The Governors Highway Safety Association is in favor of helmets for motorcycle riders and feel helmet use would reduce motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries. Many safety advocates feel if seatbelts can be required so can helmets.