Preventing Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries: Proof That Bike Helmets Really Work

There has been a debate over the years about whether bike helmets really do that much to prevent injuries. Advocates claim that wearing a helmet while riding a bike can save lives. Skeptics, however, don’t think that this type of protective gear does that much to prevent head injuries, let alone death.  Recently, a study was conducted at the University of Arizona to determine just how effective helmet protection really was for riders.

3 Ways Bike Helmets Protect Riders

During the course of this study, over 6000 bike accident patients were evaluated. Researchers found that helmets did, in fact, protect riders in three important ways. Helmets protected riders from: 
1. Severe Traumatic Brain Injures (TBIs)
2. Facial fractures
3. Death, even after a brain hemorrhage.

The Great Debate: The Numbers Prove That Helmets Are Beneficial

The figures gathered during this study are proof that helmets do a good job of protecting riders. For instance, wearing a helmet reduced the odds of severe traumatic brain injuries by over 50 percent. The likelihood of death after a bike accident was reduced by almost 45 percent in helmeted riders. And, these riders were over 30 percent less likely to experience facial fractures.  While not all helmeted riders are going to avoid traumatic brain injuries after an accident, helmets can reduce the probability of severe injury and death. The numbers speak for themselves; helmets do much to protect the rider. 

Chiropractors Can Be Strong Advocates for Rider Protection

Chiropractors are promoters of health and want to do all they can to help their patients live a happy, injury-free lifestyle. One of the ways they do this is by educating their patients on injury prevention, which includes the use of bike helmets.