All Buffalo motorcycle enthusiasts are aware that New York State requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. Based on a recent study, doctors affiliated with the John Hopkins University School of Medicine are now advocating for federal regulation of motorcycles that would extend helmet requirements to all fifty states.
The ability of motorcycle helmets to prevent death or traumatic brain injury arising from a blow to the head has been well established. One argument presented against helmets, however, arises from a small, 25 year old study that found the weight of the helmet could cause significant torque on the neck during an accident, injuring the spine and potentially leading to paralysis. The new study conducted by the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, however, indicates that this is not the case.
The John Hopkins’ study reviewed information in the National Trauma Databank regarding more than 40,000 motorcycle collisions between 2002 and 2006. It found that in addition to decreasing the risk of traumatic brain injury by 65% and the risk of death by 37%, wearing a helmet during a motorcycle crash reduced the risk of cervical spine injury by 22%. The researchers attribute the discrepancy between their study and the earlier study to flawed statistical reasoning the earlier study. They also note that helmet technology has changes significantly in the past 25 years, with helmets becoming both lighter and sturdier.
While issues such as freedom of choice may still be argued by those opposing helmet regulation by the federal government, it is the opinion of the John Hopkins’ researchers that there is no issue regarding the ability of helmets to reduce the possibility of personal injury in a motorcycle accident. They strongly recommend that all motorcyclists wear helmets.
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