Citation

Andrews JC, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine. J. Traffic Med. 1981; 9(2): 22-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The repeal of the mandatory helmet law in a number of states in the USA has contributed to the substantial increase in deaths and injuries to motorcyclists over the past 20 years. It has been shown that the non-helmeted rider is twice as likely to suffer fatal injuries, and sustain more severe injuries than the helmeted rider. Fifty per cent of single vehicle and 80 per cent of multiple vehicle accidents result in serious injury or death. An adequately protective helmet should be rigid and have a strong and easily adjusted chin restraining strap. The helmet should have a good signal to noise ratio and not have accessories mounted on it. Most crashes occur within about a 40 degree forward angle. Vision is not restricted by a full face helmet with face shield reducing or preventing severe facial injury. Attempts to improve the protection of motor cyclists in crashes are not practicable because of the excess bulk involved. Strict licensing procedures on demonstrated performance has been found to decrease losses among young riders who should not only be taught how to handle the machine, but should also be shown in detail the type of crashes, the way injuries are produced and the frequency and severity of these injuries. (TRRL)

Language: en

Keywords

Accident; Crashes; Design; Design (overall design); Fatalities; Fatality; Helmets; Injuries; Injury; Laws; Motorcycles; Motorcyclist; Motorcyclists; Prevention; United States; Legislation; Face; Protection; Stiffness; Driver licensing; Design criteria; Use; Motorcycle; USA; Crash helmet; Protective clothing; Face (human)