Effectiveness of Bicycle Safety Helmets in Preventing Facial Injuries in Road Accidents

Abstract

BackgroundThe effectiveness of bicycle safety helmets in preventing head injuries is well- documented. Recent studies differ regarding the effectiveness of bicycle helmets in preventing facial injuries, especially those of the mid-face and the mandible.ObjectivesThe present study was conducted to determine the protective effect of a bicycle helmet in preventing mid-face and mandibular fractures.Patients and MethodsData from an accident research unit were analyzed to collect technical collision details (relative collision speed, type of collision, collision partner, and use of a helmet) and clinical data (type of fracture).ResultsBetween 1999 and 2011, 5,350 bicycle crashes were included in the study. Of these, 175 (3.3%) had fractures of the mid-face or mandible. In total, 228 mid-face or mandibular fractures were identified. A significant correlation was found between age and relative collision speed, and the incidence of a fracture. While no significant correlation was found between the use of a helmet and the incidence of mid-facial fractures, the use of a helmet was correlated with a significantly increased incidence of mandibular fractures.ConclusionsHigher age of cyclists and increasing speed of the accident opponent significantly increase the likelihood of sustaining facial fractures. The use of bicycle helmets does not significantly reduce the incidence of mid-facial fractures, while being correlated with an even increased incidence of mandibular fractures.

Characteristics and risk factors of bike related accidents: Preliminary analysis

“…[38][39][40] Some authors emphasized that wearing bicycle helmets did not reduce the incidence of mid-facial fractures and was even associated with an increased risk of mandibular fractures. 37 Contrary to the abovementioned articles, in our studies, the most common injuries were those of the upper extremities (48.53% of all injuries) and lower extremities (32.38%). Injuries of the upper extremities, including wounds, were more often observed in the male group.…”

“…35 Cyclists are also at a higher risk of undergoing facial fractures. 37 The studies on the impact of wearing helmets on injuries of the facial region led to controversial conclusions. [38][39][40] Some authors emphasized that wearing bicycle helmets did not reduce the incidence of mid-facial fractures and was even associated with an increased risk of mandibular fractures.…”

Head and face injuries among cyclists admitted to the Craniomaxillofacial and Oncological Department at the Medical University of Lodz

“…19 Stier et al observed that the most commonly occurring fractures were those that concerned the nasal bone, orbital bone, zygomatic bone, maxilla and mandible. 20 Some authors also confirmed that falling is one of the major causes of injury, especially among older people. 1,21 However, most researchers regarded collisions as the main causes of accidents.…”

Analysis of the development and safety of cycling in Szczecin

“…It should also be emphasized that the increased accident rate of the transport mode is affected by a number of often diverse factors, including: poor infrastructure, difficult weather conditions, ignorance or intentional violation of traffic rules, incorrect marking (lack of lighting, reflective elements) ), using electronic devices while driving (music players, mobile phones, navigation, training counters). In addition, the data presented in the literature on the subject shows that car drivers are most of the collisions that are not aware of the presence of cyclists traveling alongside or behind them [1], [4], [10], [16], [20].…”