Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have shown that cycle helmet laws are associated with significantly lower fatality and injury rates in children under 16 who have been involved in cycle-motor vehicle incidents.
The study analysed more than 11,000 records from motor vehicle crashes between 1999 and 2010. In the United States, detailed data is recorded about serious vehicle incidents, including its location and other factors such as blood alcohol levels of the driver and helmet use of adults and children who may be involved. With many states having mandatory helmet laws for children, the researchers cross-referenced the incident details with its location to judge the effect of helmet legislation.
The study found that in the states with helmet laws, after compensating for other factors, there was a reduction of 20% in death and and injury for children under 16 who were involved in a cycle-motor vehicle incident. These results show that having laws in place directly contributes to increased safety of young cyclists, with researchers theorising that legislation makes it much easier for parents to adhere to best practice guidelines.
This study supports Headway's call for cycle helmets to be made compulsory for children under 16 in the UK. The results add to a mountain of evidence that shows the effectiveness of cycle helmets, including a Cochrane review that showed helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 88%.
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