Using social marketing to increase the use of helmets among bicyclists.

Journal of American College Health, July, 2005 by Ludwig, Timothy D.; Buchholz, Chris; Clarke, Steven W.

In 1999, 750 bicyclists died and an additional 51,000 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in the United States. (1) Approximately 450,000 to 587,000 emergency room visits occur annually because of bicycle-related accidents. (2,3) It is likely that these crash-related outcomes are underestimated given that those involved in the crashes only report approximately 33% of biking injuries. (4,5) Other estimates suggest as many as 1,600 bicyclists may die and 175,000 may be injured annually in bicycle accidents. (6,7) Injury to the head is the cause of 70% to 85% of bicycle crash deaths. (8-10)

Research studies estimate that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 45% to 85%, the risk of head trauma by 45% to 88%, the risk of brain...

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