Bicyclists, helmets and head injuries: a rider-based study of helmet use and effectiveness

• Published in: American journal of public health (1971) Vol. 78; no. 9; pp. 1220 - 1221
• Main Authors: Wasserman, R C, Waller, J A, Monty, M J, Emery, A B, Robinson, D R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Am Public Health Assoc 01.09.1988; American Public Health Association
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Athletic Injuries - prevention & control; Attitude to Health; Bicycling; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Craniocerebral Trauma - prevention & control; Data Collection; Educational Status; Female; Head injuries; Head Protective Devices; Headgear; Helmets; Humans; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Male; Medical sciences; Pedestrians; Protective Devices; Sports; Traffic accidents & safety; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Prevention; Helmet; Efficiency; United States; Craniocerebral; America; Motor cycle; Traffic accident; Complication; North America; Trauma
• ISSN: 0090-0036; 1541-0048
• DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.78.9.1220

We interviewed 516 bicyclists over age 10 regarding helmet use and head injuries. Although 19 per cent owned helmets, only 8 per cent were wearing them when interviewed. Riders wearing helmets were more highly educated and reported higher car seat belt use. Nearly 4 per cent of the bicyclists reported striking their heads in a cycling mishap during the previous 18 months; those wearing helmets at the time of the mishap were less likely to have sustained head injuries.