Citation

Rivara FP, DiGuiseppi CG, Koepsell TD. J. Am. Med. Assoc. JAMA 1990; 263(14): 1915.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/jama.1990.03440140034017

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We agree with Dr Bader that helmet use must be improved to much greater levels than were reported in our article if a significant impact on head injury morbidity and mortality is to be seen. Our recent experience is encouraging. Observations of helmet use in Seattle in September 1989 revealed that use among school-aged children was up to 25%. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently inaugurated a national bicycle campaign modeled after the Seattle program. The manufacturers have become increasingly responsive and many now offer helmets for less than $20.Further efforts to make helmets more accessible by reducing or totally eliminating financial barriers would probably contribute to increased helmet use. We agree with Dr Bader that this avenue should be explored by insurance companies as well as local community groups....