Insurance Institute Makes State Law Maps Available Online

ARLINGTON, VA --- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is improving its online presentation of state laws by using interactive maps of the United States on the group's website (www.iihs.org). 

The first such laws to be illustrated are motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws and automated enforcement laws, with additional state law maps becoming available in the future, the institute said. The maps provide geographic representations of the laws to illustrate the extent to which U.S. states are addressing highway safety concerns. 

Universal motorcycle helmet laws are effective in reducing rates of deaths and serious injuries, and states that have repealed or weakened their laws have seen increases in both. Bicycle helmet laws are similarly effective in reducing injuries and fatalities among children and teenagers, but more than half of U.S. states still do not have laws on the books. 

Automated enforcement technology substantially reduces red light violations and speeding on high-risk roads, and national and local surveys indicate public support, the institute added. To access this map, visit www.iihs.org/laws/cameramap.aspx.