Bicycle accidents account for nearly 500,000* emergency room visits and 900 deaths in the U.S. every year. The majority of those deaths are the result of head injuries. Studies show that helmets can reduce head injuries by nearly 85%.  What may come as a surprise to many people is the fact that more than 40% of these injuries occur in people 16 and older. Despite these facts, many people think helmets are only for children. 

While most state laws only require helmets up through adolescence, their safety benefits clearly apply to adults as well. After all, adults have heads too, and presumably something worth protecting inside. All kidding aside, adults face at least as much risk as children if not more. Adults tend to ride at faster speeds and often on busier roads than most children do. These factors make the risk of accident and injury greater.

Bottom line - If you ride a bike and you value your head wear a helmet!

* CDC website 2004

Bicycle Safety Links:

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute