Cycling Safety: The Helmet Tate Sallee April 10th, 2014

Some People Require Helmets… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRfbL6memSs

Overview What’s the problem? Are there specific helmet types? How are the products tested? Recommendations Summary

Crash Data - Bicyclists Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Between 2005 – 2010: 4,212 bicyclists killed in United States 88% not helmeted 8.8% helmeted 89 percent of deaths are persons 16 & older US DOT From 2010 618 bicyclists killed/52,000 injuries Males account for over 75% of both Deaths most often occur: Urban Areas, Non-intersection, Between 4 and 8 pm Seven deaths in Kentucky

Crash Data – Bicyclists (continued) Consumer Product Safety Commission – 2004 Data

Crash Data - Motorcyclists NHTSA – 2008 4,955 motorcyclists killed in US 41% not helmeted Kentucky: 93 persons killed 60% not helmeted Estimated 1,829 lives saved by helmets

Crash Data – Motorcyclists (continued) NHTSA Case Study Between 2003-2005, 18 states provided motorcycle crash data 104,472 crashes occurred 57 percent of motorcyclists had helmet / 43 percent did not 40 percent of helmeted/not helmeted treated at hospital or died Higher percentage of not helmeted had moderate or severe injury Traumatic Brain Injury more prevalent with not helmeted victims

Helmet Type CPSC stamp required Typically: DOT stamp required Bicycle Motorcycle CPSC stamp required Typically: Expanded polystyrene liner and plastic shell Some vents Webbing straps Plastic buckle DOT stamp required Basic Components: Outer shell Impact-absorbing liner Comfort padding Chin strap

Helmet Type - Bicycle

Helmet Type - Motorcycle

Product Testing – Bike Helmets Consumer Product Safety Commission regulated Monorail drop test Retention Test Roll-off Test

Product Testing – Motorcycle Helmets Snell Memorial Foundation Impact Test Roll-off test Dynamic Retention Test Chin Bar Test Shell Penetration Test Faceshield Penetration Test Flame Resistance Test

Product Testing – Motorcycle Helmets Department of Transportation FMVSS 218 Standard Tests: Impact Penetration Retention Peripheral Vision 105° visibility from helmet midline

Recommendations - Bicyclists NHTSA Wear CSPC helmet Correct size & fit All ages Medical Professionals YES!!!! Current Laws 21 states require bike helmets Based on age (usually below 16 years old) Remaining states have NO law

Recommendations - Motorcyclists NHTSA Wear DOT certified helmet Vision/Hearing not interfered with by helmet Snug fit! Novelty helmets are tested but not recommended Current Laws: 20 states require all motorcyclists to wear helmet 27 states have partial helmet law (age restrictions) 3 states have NO law

Summary Head injuries are leading cause of cyclist fatalities Performance based on skill & maturity Certified helmets SHOULD be worn by cyclists Motorcyclists beware!

Questions?