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

2. Some People Require Helmets…

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. Crash Data – Motorcyclists (continued)
NHTSA Case Study
Between , 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

8. 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

9. Helmet Type - Bicycle

10. Helmet Type - Motorcycle

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. Questions?