HI HCR53

Urges the Department of Transportation to submit legislation by the 2019 Regular Session for a universal helmet law requiring all operators and riders of motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and bicycles to wear safety helmets.

Cites data showing helmets reduce death risk by 42 percent and head injury risk by 69 percent, and that Hawaii's previous universal helmet law (1968-1977) reduced motorcycle fatalities by 57 percent.

Notes Hawaii currently has only a partial helmet law requiring riders under age 18 to wear helmets, while 67 percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders and 96 percent of fatally injured moped riders were unhelmeted between 2005-2009.

Highlights that states with universal helmet laws have 20-40 percent lower motorcycle fatality rates than states with partial laws, and that medical costs for helmeted riders average 67 percent lower than unhelmeted riders.

Requests the Department of Transportation consider additional legislation addressing helmet specifications, chin strap requirements, rental/lease prohibitions without helmets, and recommended fines for violations.