Fatal Accidents

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that cyclists not wearing helmets are 14 times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than those wearing helmets.

Brain Injury

A properly fitted bicycle helmet can prevent as much as 88 percent of brain injuries affecting cyclists, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.

Hospital Visits

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, 540,000 cyclists visit hospital emergency rooms every year, with 67,000 of them reporting head injuries. A prolonged stay in the hospital is required by 27,000 of those visiting the emergency room with a head injury.

Head Injuries

Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries as well as their severity. Most injuries sustained while wearing a helmet are treatable. Injuries to the brain, often caused by not wearing a bicycle helmet, are more difficult to treat and can be irreversible, leaving the sufferer with long-term disabilities.

Standards

Current U.S. law requires helmets made after 1999 to conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) standard.

Snell Standards

The Pete Snell Memorial Foundation tests and grades all kinds of helmets for safety and is recognized by the majority of motoring organizations. The Snell B-90 helmet safety standard is similar to that of the CPSC, but the Snell B-95 standard surpasses the CPSC standard.

Source:

Bicycle Helmets Do's And Don'ts

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

UK Department For Transport

Resource:

Snell Safety Standards