Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

How safe is your motorcycle helmet?

PURPOSE: Motorcycle crash helmets do not totally prevent head and facial trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate if protection offered by helmets differs according to helmet type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, outpatient records of motorcyclists were analyzed for the Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), facial fractures, and helmet use. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Fisher and Bonferroni tests, bivariate regression analysis, and 1-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS: There were 253 motorcyclists who sustained craniomaxillofacial injuries and were referred for outpatient treatment (men, 88.9%; mean age, 29.64 ± 11.6 yr); 60.1% had up to 9 years of formal education; 156 patients reported not using crash helmets, 51 were using open-face helmets, and 46 were using full-face helmets. The mean FISS score was significantly higher for unhelmeted riders compared with full-face helmet riders (P = .047), with no difference between unhelmeted riders and open-face helmet users (P = 1.00). Results for TBI were statistically greater for those wearing open-face helmets compared with full-face helmets (P = .035).

CONCLUSION: In this study, a large percentage of motorcyclists had facial fractures and TBI, and crash helmets did not always offer adequate protection against craniomaxillofacial injury, especially open-face helmets. Thus, further investigation into helmet types and quality of protection offered is recommended.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

Related Resources

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app