Why Wear a Bike Helmet?
It's a beautiful day for a ride, but the day takes a turn for the worst when a car makes a right turn directly in front of you. Unable to stop in time, you collide into the car. What happens next depends on you and your helmet.
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What Does a Helmet Do?
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Helmets operate by absorbing the kinetic shock of an impact, reducing the amount of energy that travels to the brain. A properly fitted helmet can minimize the effect of an impact by up to 88 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
Statistics
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With the NHTSA attributing almost 70 percent of all bicycle-related fatalities in the U.S. to head injuries, one would assume that wearing a helmet is a "no-brainer." However, studies show that only 20 to 25 percent of cyclists wear helmets.
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Justifications against Helmets
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The are many reasons people choose not to wear helmets---they are not "cool," are too heavy or it disrupts their hairstyle. According to a study by Ian Walker, a traffic psychologist, drivers provide less leeway to a helmeted cyclist as they assume the cyclists are skilled riders.
It's the Law
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While some states allow voluntary usage of helmets, laws have been implemented in most parts of the country. Studies have shown that cyclists below the age of 14 are five times more likely to be injured; these laws are mostly aimed at protecting youth cyclists.
The Importance of Helmets
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While some will argue that helmets may lead to other dangers, simply wearing a helmet when you ride will increase your chances of surviving an accident that much more. If in doubt, remember: You are only given one head, protect it.
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