Citation

Bader M. J. Am. Med. Assoc. JAMA 1990; 263(14): 1914-1915.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/jama.1990.03440140034016

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

DiGuiseppi et al note that "bicycling injuries to children account for 300 000 emergency department visits and 500 to 600 deaths each year in the United States." Yet, despite an extensive bicycle helmet campaign in Seattle, Wash, the level of bicycle helmet use by children is only 15.7%. In the control city, Portland, Ore, it was 2.9%. The effect of the campaign was meritorious, but fell far short of levels needed to make much of an impression on bicycle-related head injuries among children. More dramatic action is needed if helmet use is not to flounder at the same level as that found with automobile seat restraints prior to recent stronger measures.We need to make bicycle helmet use by younger children an expected group norm that they and their parents will recognize as sensible and accept as a routine practice.