There are those who say modern bike helmets simply do not offer enough protection, still allowing injuries to occur in a crash. While that may be true, a new study suggests that cyclists should not simply give up on their helmets. They still cut the odds of a serious head injury down by half.
The study found that:
- A rider was more likely to live after a bike crash if he or she was wearing a helmet, by 44 percent.
- The odds of a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) fell by a full 50 percent.
- The odds that the rider would break facial bones also fell, dropping by 31 percent.
One researcher said that people should think of bike helmets the same way they think about seat belts. They can’t prevent accidents. They do not prevent all injuries. But they do help those who find themselves in accidents come out of it with less severe injuries and a better survival rate.
The complaint about helmets is generally that the design feels incomplete, as the helmet does not cover the face. Some cyclists have stopped wearing them, arguing that it’s not worth it if the helmet cannot protect them. The researchers who carried out the study did not say that helmets were perfect, but they simply noted that the statistics show they are helping.
Have you suffered serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or a facial fracture, in a bike accident? If so, you must know all of the legal options you have to seek out financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
Source: Reuters, “Helmets prevent severe head injuries in bike accidents,” Linda Thrasybule, accessed May 03, 2018
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed