If state lawmakers are consistent on traffic safety, they will consider the results of a federal study on motorcycle fatalities in Florida and move forward on a manda-tory helmet law for South Carolina. The study determined that fatalities increased a staggering 81 percent in three years after Florida legislators revoked a state law requiring helmet use.

The study acknowledged that some of the increase in fatalities could be attributed to increased ridership, according to The Associated Press. But the declining rate of helmet use was viewed as the main reason for the rise in the death rate.

A spokesman for the National Highway Safety Administration described the findings as "compelling," in comments quoted by the AP, adding, "There is enough here for any state contemplating a helmet repeal to realize there are serious consequences."

There should also be enough evidence in the study for states contemplating the imposition of stronger helmet laws.

Last session, South Carolina legislators approved a mandatory seat-belt law to improve driver safety. Based on that standard, there should be no hesitation about moving forward with a mandatory helmet law.