Motorcyclists who don't wear helmets are foolishly risking their lives. That's a stark but true assessment. Last year, about 70 percent of the 94 bikers who died in South Carolina weren't wearing helmets.

In 2004, an astounding 81 percent of 88 bikers who died in South Carolina weren't wearing helmets -- the highest percentage of non-helmeted biker fatalities in the nation, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It's clear that not wearing a helmet increases the chances a biker will be killed in an accident. The NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. That means for every 100 motorcyclists killed in crashes while not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn a helmet.

The injury and death rate for motorcyclists in South Carolina jumped sharply after lawmakers in 1980 gave riders 21 and older the option of not wearing a helmet. Biker fatalities continue to rise due to South Carolina's lax motorcycle laws. The state is on pace to set a new record of more than 100 biker fatalities this year.

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That would continue a disturbing pattern. Last year, 94 bikers died, compared to 88 deaths in 2004.

True, more people are riding motorcycles so it's not too surprising that the fatality rate may be rising. But the state certainly doesn't help matters with its no-helmet law.

State lawmakers refuse to require helmets because of an aggressive motorcycle rights lobby. But that lobbying group is not acting either in the interests of motorcyclists or the broader public.

The inaction of lawmakers is inexcusable given South Carolina's high rates of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. In 2000, the state was No. 1 in the motorcycle fatality rate.

Some may argue that motorcyclists are hurting only themselves when they misguidedly forgo a helmet and are injured in an accident. But head injuries can take a particularly high toll on health-care costs borne by everyone.

Other factors contribute to South Carolina's high biker fatality rate, including alcohol and driver inexperience. The ranks of new riders include a large number of baby boomers with slower reflexes, The Associated Press recently reported. In addition, in South Carolina some motorcyclists drive for months or even years without passing a road test because they can renew their beginner's permits every six months. No road test is required to obtain a permit.

A number of issues need to be considered to reduce the number of deaths on motorcycles in South Carolina. But the helmet issue remains the biggest concern. Until lawmakers find the courage to mandate helmets for all motorcyclists, bikers would be wise to use helmets. It's the smart and safe thing to do.