Citation

Chang C. ITE J. 1981; 51(9): 17-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between head protection and injury characteristics, in order to assess the effectiveness of safety helmets in reducing the likelihood and severity of head injuries in motorcycle accidents. The analysis is based on a systematic sampling of 751 motorcycle accidents from the three-year (1977-79) accident record of 10,729 cases in the State of Wisconsin. The technique of systematic sampling is to take every Kth element from a list, say every tenth or every fifteenth case from the accident file. The systematic sampling satisfies the requirements of a truly random sample as long as there is no bias in the ordering of the original list. In this study a ten percent sample was obtained by taking every 10th case from the accident record. However, because of incomplete reporting, approximately three percent of these cases were dropped. This resulted in a sample size of 751 cases. The 751 cases include 751 drivers and 137 passengers, totaling 888 victims. The effectiveness of the helmet protection is evaluated with respect to each individual accident regarding the use of the helmet and the particular accident situation. For the purpose of determining the dynamic effects of protective equipment on head injuries, the accidents are described by the manner of collision, the type of collision, and speed.