RIDING WITHOUT A HELMET: WHY MANY CYCLISTS CHOOSE NOT TO STRAP UP

You've probably heard the golden rule of cycling safety: always wear a helmet. Yet, despite the glaring evidence, many choose to ride without one. We at Bay Area Bicycle Law strongly advocate for helmet use, especially given the devastating consequences we've seen from head injuries.

 

Here's the scoop: When a cyclist doesn't wear a helmet, the risk of severe injury or death skyrockets. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2014 revealed that over 60% of fatal bike accidents involved riders without helmets. Some regional research even puts this figure as high as 97%. It's clear: helmets play a vital role in reducing injury severity.

 

Further stats from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlight that wearing a helmet can cut the risk of head injuries by half. Plus, it lowers the chance of injuries to the head, face, or neck by 33%.

 

But here's the mystery: even with these numbers, more than half of all cyclists skip the helmet. Why? Why take such a risk when the dangers of going helmet-less on the road are crystal clear?

 

Why Wearing a Helmet Makes Legal Sense

 

Wearing a helmet while cycling isn't just about safety; it's also a wise legal move. Society generally expects cyclists to wear helmets. So, if you're involved in an accident and you aren't wearing one, you might be held partially responsible. This is the case even if you weren't at fault for the accident. 

 

In recent news, there has been a heated debate about making wearing helmets compulsory.

 

Imagine this: A driver runs a red light and hits you. You followed all traffic rules, but weren't wearing a helmet. The insurance company might still claim you're 50% at fault for your injuries, just because of the missing helmet. What's the result? You might get half the compensation you deserve – for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

 

Rethinking the "Helmet Always" Mindset

 

Spot a cyclist without a helmet and you might think they're risking it all. But did you know that you're more prone to a serious head injury walking in the city or driving a car than cycling? Sounds wild, but it's true.

 

Here's a 1996 study showing the head injury risk per million hours of travel:

 

• Cyclist: 0.41
• Pedestrian: 0.80
• Car occupant: 0.46
• Motorcyclist: 7.66

 

Clearly, motorcyclists face the highest risk. But what's surprising is the risk pedestrians and car passengers face. Yet, you don't see them wearing helmets.

So, if you're taking risks walking or driving without a helmet, is cycling without one really that different?

 

Why Some Cyclists Skip The Helmet

 

A lot of cyclists choose not to wear helmets, and they've got their reasons.

 

For some, it's a comfort thing. Helmets can feel restricting, or they might mess up a good hair day. For others, visibility is a concern. They feel helmets limit their peripheral view.

 

Interestingly, young riders often skip helmets because of how they might look. To them, the "cool" factor matters. Research even suggests that drivers might be more careless around helmeted cyclists compared to those without.

 

Yet, some simply don’t recognize the importance of wearing one. They may not be aware of the potential consequences.

 

There's also a group that questions the helmet's efficiency. They argue that since there are still casualties among helmeted riders, maybe helmets aren’t that effective after all.

 

In the end, while helmets might not guarantee absolute safety, they can play a significant role in protection.

 

The Importance of Always Wearing a Bike Helmet

 

Your brain is invaluable, so why not protect it?

 

While there might be debates about the data on head injuries in pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists, that shouldn't be an excuse to bike without a helmet. Perhaps if drivers and pedestrians wore helmets, they'd be safer too. But their choices shouldn't dictate yours. Your brain is worth safeguarding.

 

A helmet might not be foolproof, but it does an impressive job shielding you from life-threatening injuries. Even if there's a small chance of severe injury with a helmet, it's still a lesser risk than without one. Remember, enduring an accident with minimal brain damage is always better than facing severe consequences.

Don't like the look or feel of a helmet? Find one that suits you, but never skip it.

 

Thinking drivers will be cautious if you're helmet-less? That's a risky assumption. Getting hit by a car isn't the only threat. And there's no surety drivers will always be careful. It's smarter to stay guarded.

 

If you're ever involved in an accident and seek legal action, your helmet usage can be pivotal. Even if local laws don't mandate helmets, not wearing one might be seen as negligence in court. This could reduce any compensation you might receive.

 

Still not convinced? Here are some more helmet facts to consider:

 

• Helmets don't just shield your brain but also your face. A study revealed that helmeted riders had a 31% lower chance of facial fractures. Especially the region around the eyes benefitted the most.
• Each year, 26,000 youngsters land in emergency rooms due to bike-related head injuries.
• Bike injuries cause almost double the head injuries than football, with 85,000 vs 46,000 cases annually. Given over half of cyclists forgo helmets, this statistic isn't shocking!