Citation

McIntosh AS, Curtis K, Rankin T, Cox M, McCrory P, Finch CF. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2013; 24(2): 11-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A retrospective case-series study of pedal- and motor- cyclists presenting to a major metropolitan trauma centre over an 18 month period was undertaken. The injury data were coded according to a number of outcome variables, including intracranial injury of AIS severity ≥ 2. Helmet use was coded. After stratification by rider type, data were analysed to examine the relationships between helmet use and injury using logistic regression. A total of 220 injured motorcycle riders and 137 injured pedal cyclists met the study's inclusion criteria, with 195 motorcycle riders and passengers (88.6%) and 87 pedal cyclists (63.5%) wearing helmets. Helmets were associated with a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the likelihood of head and intracranial injury in both rider groups. Associated with helmet use was a reduction in intracranial injury likelihood of 66% for both helmeted motorcycle riders and pedal cyclists. The study is further evidence of the benefits offered by helmets.

Language: en