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Medical Author:

Thomas V Robb, DO

Coauthor:

Maurizio A Miglietta, DO

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Despite a large body of evidence that helmets save lives and reduce injury among both bicycle and motorcycle riders, a large percentage of riders still do not use them. There are many reasons for lack of use, often related to the circumstances and age of the rider.

A number of riders are still unaware or do not appreciate the risk of riding without a helmet. Adults who were raised in an era before widespread helmet information are at particular risk due to this lack of information.

Children may live in an area where there is little education regarding safety from their parents or from school. Statistically, crashes tend to occur in close proximity to the rider's home.

Other reasons for not wearing a helmet include the following:

• The discomfort of a helmet
• The lost feeling of freedom
• The cost of the helmet
• The influence by peers and parents who may not wear a helmet

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