Outcome of motorcycle riders at one year post-injury.

OBJECTIVE: There is little information about the long-term effects of injury on victims of motorcycle crashes. Following the repeal of the mandatory helmet law in Florida, we studied the impact of crashes on riders and their outcomes one year post-injury. SUBJECTS: All patients involved in a motorcycle crash over a six-month time period were assessed at one year post-injury. Demographic information, health status, motorcycle and helmet usage, and employability were surveyed. RESULTS: There were 94 patients evaluated at our center for the first six-month period following the repeal of the helmet law, where 50 (56%) were wearing a helmet at the time of injury. Of the 94, we were able to contact 45 (48%) at one-year follow up. Fourteen (31%) of those contacted were not wearing a helmet at the time of their crash. At one year post-injury, 23 (51%) reported physical deficits, while 39 (86%) were working. Only 12 (27%) were riding a motorcycle again, and 11 (92%) were wearing a helmet. CONCLUSIONS: Motorcycle riders at one year post-injury continue to experience physical deficits related to their accidents. There is a small percentage of riders that resume riding a motorcycle after injury. Being involved in a motorcycle accident has deterred the injured rider from riding a motorcycle again at one year post-injury.

The impact of a repealed motorcycle helmet law in Miami-Dade County.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of helmet nonuse in motorcycle crashes after the repeal of a mandatory helmet law in the state of Florida. METHODS: We prospectively studied all patients evaluated at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2000, involved in motorcycle crashes, and compared them with those seen during the same time period the year before the helmet law change. RESULTS: In 1999, before the repeal of the helmet law, there were 52 cases evaluated at our center compared with 94 after the law change. Helmet usage decreased from 1999 (83%) to 2000 (56%). The number of brain injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 2) during this same time period increased from 18 to 35, and the number of fatalities from 2 to 8. CONCLUSION: The repeal of a motorcycle helmet law significantly increased the number and severity of brain injuries admitted to our trauma center.