Originally Posted by closetbiker
n 1998/99, of the 7,168 hospitalizations due to a head injury in Ontario, almost half were caused by falls (49%), followed by motor vehicle collisions (31%) and, homicide and intentional injuries (6%).Slipping, tripping or stumbling from the same level were the major reasons for hospitalizations.
Of the 37,546 hospitalizations due to fall-related injuries, seniors accounted for over half of these hospitalizations (57%) and 93% of all in-hospital deaths due to falls. Women were admitted to Ontario hospitals for injuries from falls twice as often as men.
..
I'll encourage anyone to wear a helmet but I don't expect to need one on a bike any more than I'll need one if I'm walking down the street.
This is why statistics are dangerous. With little information, people make assumptions.
"I don't expect to need one on a bike any more than I'll need one if I'm walking down the street" is a naive and sad assumption based on the "statistics" presented above.
What is missing? The all important statistic that REALLY MATTERS:
Of all CYCLING-related injuries, what percentage are head injuries? What percentage of CYCLING-related injuries are life-threatening/life-altering and preventable with a helmet?
What percentage of death/permanent injury is from non-helmeted cyclists in CYCLING- related accidents?
(Illustration of what I'm saying) --In a given population, 80% or more walk, climb stairs or drive a car. 10% ride a bike. So, if you ask a hospital where most head injuries come from what do you think they will say? Think about it.
What is also ignored is the "quiet majority" of riders whose helmet allowed them to "walk away" from an accident with a completely demolished helmet. Studies have shown the brain cushioning ability of a helmet in a head impact- it is enough to stop or reduce internal bleeding and swelling. How many people have been saved from death, concussions or other imparement? How many accidents where the cyclist "walked away" and simply replaced their helmets feeling lucky? We will never know. If you don't wear a helmet, neither will you.
There is a rider that was permanently disabled in Santa Monica, Ca while JRA on the sidewalk, fell and hit the pavement. This was very slow speed without a helmet. He deeply regrets not wearing one that would have saved him from a wheelchair.
As doctors know, what can kill you in head injuries isn't necessarly bleeding; it's brain swelling from the impact of the brain on the inside of the skull. This is basically crushing the brain and blood from the swelling. Since the skull cannot expand, the only solution is to crack open the skull to reduce the pressure.
Accidents: You see it in racing all the time. You see it in XC all the time. I've seen it on bike paths all the time. Even if it saved you from a mild concussion or even some road rash on your head, ISN'T IT WORTH IT???
I NEVER, EVER want to be in a position where I need to be fed and changed for the rest of my life just because of a stupid idea that helmets were not necessary. It was ok in the past because nobody knew better. Now you know better. Helmets are cheap, cool, stylish. There is no excuse. Not wearing a helmet is completey moronic. I'll tell anyone that asks me face-to-face they are a moron for not wearing one.