THE COLORADO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SURVEY - PUBLIC-ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS

Background: Motorcycle riders have a high risk of traumatic brain inju ry, disability, and death, Epidemiologic studies have proven that helm ets reduce the severity of brain injuries and the cost of care. Yet, C olorado remains one of three states with no helmet law for riders. Obj ectives: This study measured public support for (1) a mandatory motorc ycle helmet use law and (2) mandatory motorcycle operator safety train ing. We also sought to ascertain citizens' attitudes toward traffic sa fety mandates from the federal government. Methods: Structured telepho ne interviews were conducted with 407 Colorado adults selected by rand om-digit dialing. Results: Sixty-five percent of respondents believed that motorcycle riders of all ages should be required to wear helmets. An additional 18% believed that only riders under age 21 should be re quired to wear helmets, Only 17% of respondents opposed all helmet law s, Even among motorcyclists, most supported helmet laws for all riders (47%) or for those <21 years of age (26%), In a multiple logistic reg ression, there were three significant independent predictors of a pro- helmet law stance: older age, female gender, and not possessing a moto rcycle operator's license, Most respondents also supported mandatory m otorcycle operator safety training, Despite supporting state helmet us e regulations, a large proportion (41%) opposed mandatory Federal mand ates to enact them. Conclusion: Even in Colorado, a state with no helm et use requirements, there is strong public support for a regulatory s trategy of motorcycle helmet use laws.