The University of Adelaide CENTRE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY RESEARCH

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TitleEffect of helmet use in reducing head injury in bicycle accidents
AuthorsDorsch MM, Woodward AJ, Somers RL
Year1984
TypeConference Paper
AbstractAs yet there has not been reported an adequate field demonstration of the protective effects of bicycle safety helmets. Evaluation of helmet efficacy has rested almost entirely on laboratory tests of questionable relevance to real world accidents. In the present study 894 South Australian cycling enthusiasts were contacted by mail with regard to their most recent accident and their helmet use at the time. Overall, 197 bicyclists were identified who had experienced an accident within the past 5 years, and had struck their head or helmet in the accident. Helmet status ranged from no helmet used (n=75), to hairnetstyle helmet (n=69), to unlined solid helmet (n=37), to lined solid helmet (n=16). Analysis of the crude, unadjusted data showed a statistically significant association between helmet use and reduced severity of head injury. The association persisted after adjustment for age, sex and severity of crash forces. It is estimated that the risk of death from head injury is 3-10 times greater for unhelmeted relative to helmeted bicyclists, depending on helmet type.
PublisherAmerican Association for Automotive Medicine
Conference Name28th Annual Proceedings American Association for Automotive Medicine
Conference AbbreviationAAAM
Conference LocationDenver, USA
Conference Date8-10 October 1984
Page Range247-259
Page Count13
Notesavailable from CASR library on request

Reference
Dorsch MM, Woodward AJ, Somers RL (1984). Effect of helmet use in reducing head injury in bicycle accidents. 28th Annual Proceedings American Association for Automotive Medicine, (pp. 247-259). American Association for Automotive Medicine.