Bicycle Accident
Can a Bicycle Helmet Decrease the Risk of Catastrophic Brain Injuries?
Spring is in full swing in Colorado, which means that adults and children alike are heading out onto the roads to enjoy bicycling. Although Colorado does not require bicyclists to wear helmets, choosing a helmet may significantly reduce the risk of a fatal or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in certain accidents.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine examined 235 case studies of patients admitted to emergency rooms with head injuries following a bicycle crash. It compared these head-injury patients to 433 patients who received emergency room care for other bicycle accident injuries.
For Safer Bicycling, Know Your ABCs
Bicycling safely means making yourself visible, always wearing your helmet, and knowing your route before you leave. But it also means making sure that your bicycle is in good condition and ready to go. Looking over your bicycle before you ride takes only a few minutes, and it can save you from a serious accident or injury.
To double-check your bicycle efficiently and thoroughly, keep in mind the “ABC Quick Check” tips from the League of American Bicyclists:
- Air: First, check your tires for damage. Note the recommended air pressure listed on the side of the tire. Check your air pressure in both tires, and inflate them to the listed pressure if they are low.
Avoiding a Rear-End Collision While Bicycling
Bicycling is great exercise, and in the Colorado summer, it can also be a great deal of fun and help save on transportation costs and the environment. However, many types of accidents can befall a bicyclist when drivers are careless or distracted.
While most bicyclists fear rear-end collisions from cars, these types of accidents are rare, comprising only about 3.8 percent of all bicycle crashes. There are also several ways a bicyclist can protect himself or herself from a rear-end collision: