Motorcycles represent half (51 %) of the total vehicles registered in Malaysia and is the main mode of transport used by commutersl . Motorcyclists formed 49.2% of all reported accident cases and 67.7% of all road casualties in 1997 (Table I). Motorcycle accident fatalities represent 59.7% of all road fatalities. This is disproportionately high. The leading cause of death is head injuries, which accounted for 49.2% of all motorcycle fatalities in 1997 (Table 11). The wearing of safety helmets could reduce severity of head injuries'. Although the authorities in Malaysia have enforced safety helmet regulations since 1971, there still is an alarmingly high rate of fatalities due to head injuries. One possible factor is improper wearing of safety helmets. This study profiles characteristics of motorcyclists towards proper safety helmet wearing in an attempt to identify individuals who represent a high 40 risk; and subsequently be targeted for campaigns in an attempt to reduce the fatality rate of motorcyclists. Materials and Methods Kajang, Selangor was selected as the area for study, as this town was typical of most Malaysian towns; and had the highest number of accidents in Selangor for 1996. Five hundred consecutive motorcyclists were interviewed prospectively by an investigator who recorded the responses on a proforma sheet. Eight locations (parking lots) were chosen, both urban and rural; and on weekdays and weekends. A properly used safety helmet was defined as a helmet which was worn with the strap correctly fastened; and compliance was deemed to be present when the rider was wearing his helmet correctly. The responses were analysed with chisquared test using SPSS v7.5 and statistical significance was determined at p<O.05. Med J