Factors affecting motorcycle helmet use in the population of Greater Athens, Greece

Abstract

Objectives-Helmet use is the best preventive measure available against two wheel motorized vehicle (TWMV) related head injuries. In some countries, however, helmets are used only by a minority of TWMV riders. In collaboration with the Road TraYc Police Department, an inspection survey was undertaken to assess the prevalence and to determine predictors of helmet use. Setting-The Greater Athens area, Greece, during July and August 1998. Methods-A total of 982 TWMVs were stopped, 349 of which had two riders (36%). All riders were interviewed by staV members of the Centre for Research and Prevention of Injuries among the Young. Results-The average prevalence of helmet use was 20.2%. It ranged from 9.7% on small suburban roads to 50.8% on highways. Prevalence of use was significantly lower during the weekend days and at night. Women were significantly more likely to wear a helmet and, controlling for gender, drivers were significantly more likely to be helmet users. Riders of more powerful TWMVs and passengers, who themselves had a TWMV driving license, were helmet users more frequently. Among non-users, the majority (46%) indicated that "the helmet made them feel uncomfortable", particularly in warm weather, whereas 18% claimed that there was little need for a helmet in low speed riding. Conclusions-A multipronged campaign is urgently needed in Greece to increase the prevalence of helmet use by TWMV riders. The campaign should include not only police enforcement but also initiatives to make helmets more convenient to wear and less expensive. (Injury Prevention 1999;5:264-267)

Prevalence of Carrying Multiple Pillion Riders on the Route to School

“…Safety helmet use rates of 16.3% and 13.2% were observed for male and female child pillion riders, respectively. The reported safety helmet use compliance rate [8] for riders is higher than that of the child pillion riders' as in accordance with other studies [9,10,11]. A majority of Malaysian population is aware of the safety helmet law, however the compliance rate is still low among child pillion riders [8].…”

Risk factors for injury accidents among moped and motorcycle riders

“…In common with the majority of studies, we identified an excess risk of accident involvement among novice PTW riders (Chang and Yeh 2006;Evans 2004;Harrison and Christie 2005;Lardelli-Claret et al 2005;Lin et al 2003;Mullin et al 2000;Reeder et al 1995;Rutter and Quine 1996;Ryan et al 1998;Skalkidou et al 1999;Yannis et al 2005). This may be due to a combination of young people's inexperience and risk-taking (Chesham et al 1993;Ryan et al 1998) as well as risk exposure (Harrison and Christie 2005;Yannis et al 2005).…”

Helmet use among motorcyclists: observational study in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina

“…Weather conditions, type of road, circulation area and time of the day are some of the variables identifi ed as factors associated with helmet use. 5 Likewise, some individual-related variables have been defi ned as markers of differences among people sharing the same background and environment such as education level, gender and age. 1 Other individual-related variables infl uencing helmet use are closely related to the road user profi le including having or not having a driver's license, type of motorcycle, among others.…”