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According to this story from PBS NewsHour, motorcycle deaths have risen since the mid-1990s while state helmet laws have decreased. The CDC also recently said universal helmet laws can reduce injuries and deaths.
Ways to localize the story:
-- What do motorcycle riders think? The story above mentions that the American Motorcyclist Association said in a statement that it "opposes helmet mandates because they have unintended consequences. Historically, the enforcement of helmet mandates has siphoned away scarce funds from effective crash prevention programs such as rider education and motorist awareness." Are these initiatives really more important to riders than protection from severe injury or death? What do the families of motorcycle riders think?
-- Summer is the time for more motorcyclists to be on the roads. Let readers know how to see and be safe around motorcycles in their cars and trucks. For those considering getting a bike, how can they learn to ride in your community? What kinds of licenses, insurance and safety equipment -- such as helmets -- do they legally need in your state?
-- Motorcycle ridership numbers have increased, and that could be leading to the higher fatality numbers. Check with your state's Motor Vehicles Department or Department of Public Safety for these figures locally. What are motorcycle fatality statistics in your area? Check with your state DPS or local police.
Check out story ideas, interesting ways to use Web tools and any way journalists are reaching out to readers.
