There is no doubt that wearing a helmet is an important part of safely riding a bicycle. However, there has been much controversy as to whether a helmet can actually save the life of a bicyclist who gets injured in an accident. You wouldn’t think there would be much debate about this, but in fact there is.
Evidence Proves Helmets Are Effective! ![NYC Bicycle Safety]()
Research shows that if a helmet is worn correctly, it is about 70 percent effective in preventing severe damage to the head on impact. According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, riders with helmets have an 85 percent reduction in their risk of head injury and an 88 percent reduction in their risk of brain injury.
As such, while a helmet may not totally prevent a head or brain injury during a bicycle accident, it is effective enough that all bicyclists should wear it while riding. In fact, wearing a helmet is comparable to wearing a seatbelt while riding in an automobile. The seatbelt by itself may not prevent injury, but without it, the injuries the victim suffers may be significantly worse.
How Does a Helmet Help?
Helmets are not simple hats that bicyclists wear for decoration. These headpieces are carefully and strategically designed and assembled to provide effective support for your head in the event of an accident.
When your head hits the ground or makes contact with something else during a bicycle accident, your skull stops while your brain continues to travel and crashes against your skull. This impact against the skull may easily bruise and damage the delicate brain tissues, resulting in significant injuries. A helmet helps to absorb the shock of the impact and prevent or reduce the gravity of the impact.
Contact an Experienced New York Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and suffered serious injuries, it is important that you immediately consult with an experienced lawyer. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York City bicycle injury lawyers, please call Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. at 212-584-2494.