Lack of Bike Helmet Law in Idaho May Increase Injuries and Deaths

While it is difficult to know how much a universal bicycle helmet law would reduce bicyclist injuries and deaths, it is a good place for Idaho to start.

2011-07-08

July 08, 2011 (Press-News.org) The state of Idaho has an unusually high rate of bicyclist injuries and fatalities, according to statistics from 2009. Children and young adults who do not wear helmets when they ride are the most common victims of injury-causing bicycle accidents. However, Idaho does not currently have a bicycle helmet statute, so bicyclists who choose not to wear helmets are not violating any laws. While it is difficult to know how much a universal bicycle helmet law would reduce bicyclist injuries and deaths, such a law is a good place for Idaho to start.

Bicycle Crashes

According to the most recent data published by the Idaho Office of Highway Operations and Safety, there were 363 bicycle crashes in 2009. Of those crashes, 99 percent of the bicyclists were injured to some degree -- 7 people were killed, 55 were seriously injured, 157 had visible injuries and 140 had possible injuries. Most of the riders were under the age of 25, with the bulk of them falling between the ages of 4 and 19. Only 56 of the bicyclists involved in these accidents were wearing helmets, which is about 15.4 percent.

Helmet Information

Bicycle helmets are not designed to save lives, but they are important safety gear that could help to lessen the effects of some head trauma and facial injuries. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center research, helmets can reduce the risk of head and brain / traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) anywhere from 63 to 88 percent for bicyclists of all ages. Both hard shell and foam helmets have safety advantages, but most researchers recommend hard shell helmets to maximize the protective benefits against head injuries.

Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Head injuries from bicycle crashes are common and range anywhere from minor concussions to serious and traumatic brain injuries. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that seven percent of all deaths from head injuries in the U.S. are bicycle-related. For injured bicyclists up to 19 years old, head injuries are generally tied to around 63 percent of all annual fatalities from bicycle accidents. In addition, bicyclists may suffer other serious injuries such as facial distortion, broken bones, internal bleeding and spinal cord injuries that could result in paralysis.

Impact of Bike Helmet Laws

No state has a universal bicycle helmet use law and only 21 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have helmet laws that typically apply to children ages 17 years and under. One recent study in Intervention Review concluded that "bicycle helmet legislation appears to be effective in increasing helmet use and decreasing head injury rates in the populations for which it is implemented."

Although there may be multiple factors involved for why Idaho has such an alarmingly high rate of bicycle-related injuries and deaths, looking to pass legislation related to better bicycle helmet and safety measures may be a good place to start. If you or your loved one was recently in a bicycle crash, contact an Idaho personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accidents and serious head injuries for legal advice.

Article provided by Carty Houst PA
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Lack of Bike Helmet Law in Idaho May Increase Injuries and Deaths

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