Bike Helmets: How They Help Prevent Brain Injuries in Serious Accidents

Cycling is a popular activity enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, whether for commuting, exercise, or recreation. However, riding a bicycle also comes with risks, particularly when sharing the road with cars and other vehicles. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself while riding your bike is by wearing a helmet. Although bicycle helmets cannot completely prevent injuries in an accident, they play a crucial role in reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries in serious crashes.

This blog explores the importance of wearing a bike helmet, how helmets work to protect the brain, and the types of brain injuries they help prevent in the event of a serious accident.

How Bicycle Helmets Work

A bicycle helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a crash and reduce the force transmitted to the brain. It typically consists of an outer shell, often made of plastic, and an inner layer of expanded polystyrene foam. When a rider falls or is involved in an accident, the outer shell helps to distribute the force of the impact across the surface of the helmet, while the foam liner compresses to absorb and dissipate the energy.

By reducing the force of the impact, bicycle helmets help protect the skull and brain from direct trauma, potentially preventing or minimizing the severity of head and brain injuries. Helmets are most effective in preventing injuries caused by a fall onto the pavement or a collision with a car or other object.

The Role of Bicycle Helmets in Preventing Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur when the head experiences a sudden blow or jolt, causing the brain to move inside the skull. This movement can result in bruising, swelling, or even bleeding of the brain, depending on the severity of the impact. Bicycle helmets are designed to mitigate these types of injuries by absorbing shock and reducing the acceleration forces transmitted to the brain.

1. Concussions

One of the most common types of brain injuries that cyclists face is a concussion. A concussion occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, often causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Although bicycle helmets cannot completely eliminate the risk of a concussion, they can significantly reduce the likelihood of one occurring by cushioning the head during an impact.

Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 60% and the risk of severe brain injuries by up to 85%. This protective effect is particularly important in preventing concussions in low- and medium-speed crashes, where the helmet’s ability to absorb shock can make a significant difference.

2. Skull Fractures

A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the skull. In serious cycling accidents, a direct impact to the head can result in a skull fracture, which increases the risk of brain injuries such as bleeding or swelling. By absorbing the energy of a crash, a bicycle helmet helps to distribute the force away from the skull, lowering the risk of fractures.

3. Contusions and Hematomas

A brain contusion is a bruise on the brain, often caused by a direct impact to the head. In more severe cases, a hematoma can develop, which is a pooling of blood outside the blood vessels. Both injuries can result in swelling, pressure on the brain, and potentially life-threatening complications. While a helmet cannot entirely prevent these injuries in high-speed accidents, it does offer protection by reducing the severity of the impact and limiting the amount of force transmitted to the brain.

4. Diffuse Axonal Injury

A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe type of traumatic brain injury caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain inside the skull. This type of injury often results from high-speed crashes or falls and can lead to widespread damage to brain cells. Although a helmet cannot entirely prevent a DAI in a high-speed accident, it can reduce the rotational forces acting on the brain, offering some degree of protection against this devastating type of injury.

The Importance of Proper Helmet Use

While wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to protect yourself while cycling, it’s important to ensure that the helmet is worn correctly for maximum effectiveness. A helmet that is too loose, improperly fitted, or not fastened securely may not provide adequate protection in the event of a bicycle crash.

Here are a few tips to ensure your helmet offers the best protection:

• Ensure a proper fit: The helmet should sit level on your head, covering the forehead, without tilting forward or backward.
• Adjust the straps: The chin strap should be snug, with enough room to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin.
• Replace damaged helmets: If your helmet has been involved in a crash or shows signs of wear, it’s important to replace it. The foam inside the helmet is designed for one-time use and may not provide adequate protection after an impact.

Increasing Awareness and Helmet Usage

There has been a growing trend toward increased helmet usage in recent years, driven by public safety campaigns, helmet laws, and a heightened awareness of the benefits of helmet use.

1. Helmet Usage Trends

According to data, helmet usage among cyclists has increased significantly in the past decade. In 2021, more than 50% of U.S. cyclists wore helmets regularly, up from about 30% a decade ago. The rise in helmet usage is due in part to increased awareness of the risks of cycling without proper head protection.

2. Children and Youth

Helmet usage among children and young cyclists has also risen due to safety campaigns in schools and mandatory helmet laws in some areas. The NHTSA reports that helmet usage among children increased from 38% in 2010 to 52% in 2020. These gains reflect the success of educational initiatives and local laws aimed at reducing cycling-related injuries.

Attorney John Malm on the Importance of Helmets

“Bicycle helmets are essential for preventing life-changing brain injuries. We’ve seen firsthand how serious and debilitating these injuries can be for victims involved in accidents. While helmets can’t prevent all injuries, they make a significant difference in reducing the severity of head trauma and protecting cyclists from catastrophic consequences.” – John Malm

Naperville, IL Bike Rider Injury Attorneys

Bicycle helmets play a crucial role in reducing the risk of head and brain injuries in serious cycling accidents. Although they cannot completely eliminate the possibility of injury, they significantly decrease the severity of brain trauma, such as concussions, skull fractures, and contusions, by absorbing and dispersing the force of impact. With more cyclists recognizing the life-saving benefits of helmets and an increasing number of people adopting them, helmet use is likely to continue rising, leading to fewer serious injuries on the road.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident and suffered a brain injury, it’s essential to seek legal advice. At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, Illinois, we can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.