Bicycling in America today is seen as both a joyous family activity and a serious fitness sport. It isn’t uncommon to see a cyclist in brightly colored spandex racing along the side of a highway in the early morning hours, well-equipped to face the dangers of the speedy sport with such precautions as kneepads, wrist guards and helmets. Families on leisurely bicycle outings in parks or neighborhoods generally neglect such protective devices in order to free themselves to their natural environment. A casual, slow ride in an enclosed area doesn’t call the need to most people for bicycle helmets and other safety gear, but does that really mean the danger is being evaded?
In 2005 alone, United States hospital emergency rooms treated around 64,500 bicycling-related head injuries. Half of the deaths recorded from such injuries were children under the age of 15.
A serious head injury can happen in even the most tranquil environments, and a traumatic brain injury is typically a result of a sudden jolt, not exclusive to impact injuries. Many records of traumatic brain and head injuries occurred on sidewalks and at stop signs, sometimes due to outside factors such as other drivers neglecting pedestrian right-of-way. Helmets would prevent anywhere from 45% to 88% of these injuries.
Bicycle helmets are typically with a thin but strong outer shell of polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber which distributes the impact force and prevents penetration by sharp objects. The expanded polystrene foam lining inside of helmets further helps distribute impact force and absorbs energy, keeping the brain from suffering extreme motion within the cranium. While more expensive bicycle helmets are promoted in the sports market, a less expensive model of helmet will generally provide an equal amount of protection, provided that it is worn correctly. Encouraging the use of bicycle helmets for you and your family could prove to be a necessary precaution when a serious bicycling accident occurs.
If you or someone you know has suffered traumatic brain injury or you would like to learn more about helmet safety and bicycle injuries, please feel free to contact personal injury attorneys.
