Effectiveness of Helmets

Although the idea that helmets would help reduce injuries and deaths may seem obvious, proof needed to be demonstrated. In addition, the question of whether helmets themselves did not increase the risk of other unforeseen injury needed evaluation.

• Researchers into motorcycle safety took advantage of changes in state laws requiring helmets for all riders, regardless of age. There are no similar laws in the United States applying to all bicycle riders, although many states have laws applying to children.
  
  
  • Studies examining the rates of brain injury and deaths before and after the passage of a mandatory helmet law showed a significant reduction in the number of both head injuries and deaths. The reduction held true even when controlling for age, sex, and severity of crash.
    
    
  • The Harborview Injury Prevention Center in Seattle published a major study of bicycle helmet effectiveness that clearly identified the need for bicycle riders to use a helmet.
    
    
    • This case-controlled study examined injury probability and patterns in riders with and without a helmet.
      
      
    • It concluded that there was an 88% reduction in brain injury for riders who use a helmet.