Internally Peer Reviewed Wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding is the single most important factor in preventing head injury or death among motorcycle riders. Iowa is one of the few states without a helmet law, Zwerling says. Iowa had a law requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet in the 1970s, but the law was repealed after only one year. During the year the law was in effect, deaths from motorcycle accidents were 35 percent lower than before the law was passed.
People generally comply with the law, and the laws prevent deaths and injuries.
They also reduce the amount of money taxpayers cover for uninsured riders. Health care costs for persons with head injuries are very expensive. The people against mandatory helmet laws say it's a matter of choice for the motorcyclist. The question we have to ask is whether taxpayers should foot the bill for unhelmeted motorcyclists. Some states have adopted partial use laws requiring motorcyclists under 17 years old to wear helmets.