Citation

Walz FH, Dubas L, Burkart F, Kosik D. Proc. IRCOBI 1985; 13: 91-104.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The effectiveness of crash helmet wearing for riders of heavy motorcycles is not a matter of serious discussion by the public. Wearing rates of up to 95% are usual. On the other hand, crash helmets are not very commonly seen on moped riders and the wearing of a helmet for a non-racing pedal cyclist seems not to be considered by most people. (A moped is defined in Switzerland as a motorcycle of 50 ccm and a maximum speed of 30 km/h, also called "MOFA".) However data on head injuries within the latter two categories strongly suggest the need for usage of suitable head gear. After a literature review on head injuries with light two-wheelers and helmets the results of three different in-depth studies with a total number of 940 cases (243 bicycle and 697 moped accidents in the Canton of Zurich) are discussed as to (1) the exact localization of head impacts in pedal cyclists, supplying data for the design of suitable helmets for pedal cyclists; (2) the difference in severity of head injuries in pedal cyclists and moped riders; and (3) general injury severity and location in moped riders.