S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
43
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
(PREFILED)
January 4, 2017
___________
Introduced by M. of A. CAHILL -- read once and referred to the Committee
on Transportation
AN ACT authorizing the commissioner of transportation to conduct a
comprehensive study on the efficacy of motorcycle helmets
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Legislative intent. The legislature recognizes that head
injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes nation-
wide, but also may be prevented in many cases with the use of proper
protective headgear. As such, it is vitally important that all motorcy-
clists and passengers wear federal department of transportation (DOT)
approved helmets as required by section 381 of the vehicle and traffic
law to prevent injuries and fatalities. Moreover, it is imperative that
a motorcyclist utilize a DOT-approved helmet that is the correct style
for the type of riding that they are engaged in and that is an appropri-
ate size and fit for their head shape and face structure so that it can
function properly in the event of a crash.
To date, there has not been a comprehensive study conducted in New
York state to examine the efficacy of the variety of styles of DOT-ap-
proved motorcycle helmets or the guidelines and safety protocols that
inform the rider of how to properly fit and use this equipment. The
legislature therefore supports the commissioning of such a study in
order to assess the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in preventing
fatality and injury, the functionality of a helmet when improperly worn
and the protocols in place to inform the consumer of how to properly fit
and wear this equipment.
§ 2. The department of transportation shall undertake a comprehensive
study on the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in preventing injuries
and fatalities. The scope of this study shall include:
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01684-01-7
A. 43 2
1. the efficacy of different styles and types of DOT-approved motorcy-
cle helmets in preventing injury and death; and
2. the adequacy of established state, federal and manufacturer use and
safety guidelines that inform the consumer of proper helmet fitment and
wear; and
3. evidence of injury or death resulting from improper helmet fitment
and/or wear; and
4. any other related information that the commissioner may deem neces-
sary or relevant in carrying out this study.
§ 3. The department of transportation shall make a report to the
governor and the legislature of its findings, conclusions and recommen-
dations no later than one year after the effective date of this act and
shall submit with this report such legislative proposals as it deems
necessary to implement its recommendations.
§ 4. If the department of transportation finds that it does not have
access to adequate state resources to conduct the study defined in
section two of this act the commissioner is authorized to contract with
an independent entity to conduct such study.
§ 5. This act shall take effect immediately.