Research has shown that wearing a helmet can save your life, but many people still don't do it. A serious accident can happen to anyone. You don't need to be child or a daredevil to sustain a head injury during certain activities. Helmets are often recommended or required for cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, rock climbing, skiing, riding a motorcycle or ATV, horseback riding and several other sports.
Function
The purpose of wearing helmets is to lower the risk of head injury. They're typically used when engaging in recreational activities that could cause brain damage or a skull fracture. When a head injury does occur to someone wearing a helmet, it tends to be less severe and less likely to be fatal. Helmets work by absorbing most of the force that would otherwise impact the skull.
Types
Helmets for different activities can vary considerably in shape, weight and the materials they're made of. They're designed to protect against the types of impact that tend to occur in a specific sport, so it's important to use the right kind. Most helmets, including those for bicycle riding, are made to protect your head one time. They should be replaced after a single hard impact. Multiple-impact helmets can sustain force many times and still be effective, such as in football.
Considerations
Helmets must be worn correctly to provide optimal protection. A common mistake that's made when wearing a bicycle helmet is tilting it toward the back of the head. The front of the helmet should sit just two finger widths above your eyebrows. Always make sure that chin straps are securely fastened and snug. Take the time to get a proper fit when you purchase a helmet, because the wrong size will be less effective at preventing injury.
Safety Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims in 2010 that the risk of head injury when cycling is 85 percent lower if a helmet is worn. A study in New York City, cited by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, found that no helmet had been worn in 97 percent of fatal bicycle accidents and 87 percent of serious bicycle injuries. When motorcycle helmets are used, they can prevent fatalities in 37 percent of crashes, according to Michigan State Police.
Laws
Many places in the U.S. have enacted helmet safety laws in response to research that shows they decrease injury and death rates. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 21 states have bicycle helmet laws for children. The use of motorcycle helmets is unregulated in three states, required for all riders in 20 states and required for certain age groups in the rest. In addition to the safety benefits, these statutes help reduce taxpayer spending on medical bills.
References
- Michigan State Police: Motorcycle Helmets
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: Helmet Related Statistics From Many Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hard Facts About Helmets
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Which Helmet For Which Activity?
- Insurance Institute For Highway Safety: Helmet Use Laws
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