bicycle helmets and head injuries image
CuriousRob
I've heard that after one accident, you should replace your bicycle helmet because any trauma to the helmet creates "microscopic" stresses that compromise its ability to protect your head. This sounds like a lot of voodoo hoodoo by bicycle helmet manufacturers who want to sell more helmets.
My helmet is several years old, and has sustained plenty of traumas, from a fall or two, to dropping the helmet on a hard surface, to everyday wear and tear. The thin, plastic casing has even completely come off the styrofoam frame, and I've simply glued reflective stickers to the styrofoam and continue to wear it. The plastic covering was SO thin that I have a hard time believing it was ever anything but merely cosmetic.
Come on...are the helmet manufacturers being alarmist just to sell more of their product? Isn't any bicycle helmet just a piece of styrofoam and straps? Do I really need to get a new one?
Answer
If the plastic covering has fallen off your helmet, it should be replaced. The covering is there for a very good reason. If you fall, the smooth plastic allows the helmet to slide on the pavement. Without it, the foam has much more friction and can cause injury if it "sticks" to the pavement. If you have fallen, each time your head hits something the foam compresses, absorbing energy and helping to protect your head. Once the foam has compressed, it can no longer absorb energy if you fall, increasing the chances of head injuries. It is time for a new helmet. Better quality helmets have the thin plastic bonded to the foam, which makes the structure stronger and more durable.
If the plastic covering has fallen off your helmet, it should be replaced. The covering is there for a very good reason. If you fall, the smooth plastic allows the helmet to slide on the pavement. Without it, the foam has much more friction and can cause injury if it "sticks" to the pavement. If you have fallen, each time your head hits something the foam compresses, absorbing energy and helping to protect your head. Once the foam has compressed, it can no longer absorb energy if you fall, increasing the chances of head injuries. It is time for a new helmet. Better quality helmets have the thin plastic bonded to the foam, which makes the structure stronger and more durable.
do i have to wear a helmet when bike riding?
rachel
i live in melbourne, australia and im 16 years old. do i have to wear a helmet when riding a bike. at what age do you not have to wear a helmet?
also do you get a fine if you dont wear it?
Answer
In Australia, bicycle helmets are mandatory in all states and territories. Compliance is high but varies by area, with some cities over 90% and rural areas much lower. In the State of Victoria cyclists' head injuries declined 41%. There were 36% fewer child riders on the road, immediately after the legislation passed, but perhaps more adult riders. Changes in ridership may or may not have been related to the passage of the laws, and the road culture in Australia is unique to that country. (No similar effects have ever been documented in the US.) Injury reduction was below expectations, but still spectacular. Hospital data from Western Australia show that the number of intracranial injuries was cut in half with increased helmet use, while head injuries were less serious, and hospital stays shorter.
In Australia, bicycle helmets are mandatory in all states and territories. Compliance is high but varies by area, with some cities over 90% and rural areas much lower. In the State of Victoria cyclists' head injuries declined 41%. There were 36% fewer child riders on the road, immediately after the legislation passed, but perhaps more adult riders. Changes in ridership may or may not have been related to the passage of the laws, and the road culture in Australia is unique to that country. (No similar effects have ever been documented in the US.) Injury reduction was below expectations, but still spectacular. Hospital data from Western Australia show that the number of intracranial injuries was cut in half with increased helmet use, while head injuries were less serious, and hospital stays shorter.
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Title Post: Do I really need to replace my bicycle helmet?
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