Cycle Helmets and their effectiveness
MANDATORY SAFETY HELMETS FOR CYCLISTS COULD REDUCE HEAD INJURIES BY 50%
NSC asks that bicycle safety helmet legislation be considered for children
The National Safety Council is recommending that the mandatory wearing of bicycle safety helmets, particularly for children, be considered in light of international research which shows that countries with such laws have significantly increased safety helmet usage and consequently reduced head injuries among cyclists.
The suggestion was made today Thursday 13th May at the launch of the National Safety Council's new bicycle safety booklet, 'Cycle Safely', which is supported by the Irish Insurance Federation. Commenting on the merits of such a law in Ireland, Mr. Eddie Shaw, Chairman, National Safety Council said, "In countries where the wearing of safety helmets is mandatory, the figures point to increasing helmet usage and consequently a high success rate in reducing fatalities and head injuries.
For example, the introduction of a bicycle helmet law in the state of Victoria in Australia in 1990 increased the number of cyclists wearing helmets by almost 50% and has been credited with reducing the number of pedal cyclists killed or admitted to hospital after sustaining a head injury by 48%."1 "Given such success rates abroad, the NSC feels it is worth giving serious consideration to the introduction of a safety helmet law, particularly for children, in Ireland. It could reduce the number of head traumas to cyclists, and ultimately prevent deaths and injuries". He added.
In Ireland, 2074 cyclists were killed or injured on Irish roads between 1998 and 2002. Of these, 346 were under 15 years of age.2 Research also shows that as many as 96% of child cyclists were not wearing helmets when fatal, serious and minor injuries were sustained.3 "Most parents and children don't realise just how fragile the brain is, and that a fall from a little as two feet (less than a meter) can cause a skull fracture. That's why it's important to always wear a safety helmet when cycling." Said Mr. Shaw Speaking at the launch of the new cycle safety booklet Mr. Niall Doyle, Corporate Affairs Manager, Irish Insurance Federation said, "The Irish Insurance Federation supports every initiative that is designed to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly activity. Adhering to the advice outlined in this booklet can make cycling a safe activity as well. I would remind other motorised road users that they also have a part to play in ensuring the safety of cyclists on our roads".
Dr. Sean Walsh, Consultant in the Accident and Emergency Department of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin said at the launch "As a health professional working in the A & E department of one of the largest children's hospitals nationally, I would come across up to 70 admissions per year for cycle related injuries. At Crumlin Hospital, we would welcome any new initiatives that could help to minimise injuries and fatalities to children and I am sure my colleagues would also support these safety initiatives." The NSC's new bicycle safety booklet 'Cycle Safely' covers the key safety issues when riding a bicycle, with particular emphasis on younger cyclists. The booklet provides advice on how to choose a bicycle that suits, how to keep it in good working order and how to share the road safely with other road users.
The NSC's 'Cycle Safely' booklet is supported by the Irish Insurance Federation and is available free of charge from the National Safety Council by calling Lo-Call 1890 200 844, by emailing info@nsc.ie . Alternatively it can be downloaded from the NSC website www.nsc.ie.
The NSC has the following advice for cyclists when selecting a safety helmet
- Ask at your local shop about the best helmet for you.
- Remember a safety helmet is not a fashion statement! It's an essential, life saving piece of equipment.
- Make sure it's the right fit for you and if your helmet gets a bang in a crash replace it even if you see no damage
- Look for approved standard marks. These include; Snell - USA Standard, ANSI Z 904 - USA Standard, BS 6863 - British Standard and AS 2063 - Australian Standard
Key issues to remember when cycling:
- Always wear a helmet when you ride your bicycle - make sure that it fits properly and remember, it's an essential, life-saving piece of equipment
- Don't forget! - It's the law to have a bell on your bike at all times and to have working lights after dark. Remember to also wear reflective clothing when cycling in poor light so that other traffic can see you clearly
- Be sure you know how to control your bicycle before cycling in traffic and always cycle with the flow of traffic
- Like all road-users, cyclists must obey the Rules of the Road
- Always make sure that your bicycle is in good working order before taking it out on the road
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