A Case-Control Study of the Effectiveness of Bicycle Safety Helmets

Abstract

BICYCLING is an increasingly popular sport that is enjoyed by more than 85 million people in the United States. However, it has its hazards. In 1985, bicycling injuries accounted for an estimated 574,000 emergency room visits and 1300 deaths in the United States.1 , 2 The most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle accidents is head injury. A number of studies report that head injury is the primary or contributing cause of death in 70 to 80 percent of all bicycling fatalities.2 3 4 5 6 7 One third of all victims of bicycling accidents treated in emergency rooms have head injuries, as do . . .