EDITORIAL

Welcome to our second issue of Headlines.  In this issue we have an update on bicycle helmets in Sweden and on a proposed helmet law in Ontario, Canada.

We also report on two studies – one in the United States, the other in Italy – that once again demonstrate the remarkable impact universal motorcycle helmet wearing laws have on increasing helmet use and in reducing head injuries. Motorcycle helmet wearing laws – when applied to all riders and all ages - increase wearing levels from below 50 percent to about 90 percent. Sometimes wearing rates approach 99 percent. At these levels, motorcycle head injuries decrease from 30 to 75 percent, a significant drop. When helmet laws are repealed, or when they are changed in such a way to only apply to a part of the population, wearing rates decline and head injuries increase.

Although many risk factors have been identified for motorcycle crashes – alcohol, speed, and rider experience – strategies to eliminate or reduce these factors have had limited success. Measures to encourage helmet wearing such as health education, public service announcements, and even motorcycle training classes do not have the same impact as helmet wearing laws in increasing helmet wearing. 

We are left with the conclusion that helmet laws are the best strategy to reduce head injuries.

As ever, we welcome your comments and participation in the Helmet Initiative.

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy, and safe new year.

Philip L. Graitcer
Facillitator, WHO Helmet Initiative

EFFECT OF ITALY'S HELMET LAWS ON INJURIES
In Italy, mopeds – low powered two wheeled motorcycles – are ubiquitous.  Recently a helmet law was passed. read more

DO MANDATORY MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS WORK?
The repeal of motorcycle helmet laws in Kentucky and Louisiana produced similar effects – observed wearing of helmets decreased, the number of injuries and fatalities increased, and the rates of fatalities and injuries increased. read more

NEW BOOK ON TRAFFIC SAFETY
Traffic Safety by Leonard Evans covers just many aspects of traffic safety and explores traffic safety in a large number of countries.  More information at the website or from any bookstore.

NEW ESTIMATES ON HELMET EFFECTIVENESS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has increased its estimate of the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in preventing fatalities from 29% to 37%.  read more

LISTING OF HELMET LAWS PUBLISHED
We recently published a listing of bicycle and motorcycle helmet wearing laws. If you can provide us with updates from your country, please write info@whohelmets.org.

UNIVERSAL BICYCLE HELMET LAW PROPOSED IN ONTARIO
Members of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament have approved a bill requiring adults to wear helmets on roads when they are on bicycles, skates, or scooters. read more

COCHRANE REVIEWS ON HELMETS
There are two important additions to our Bibliography. read more

HELMET WEARING IN SWEDEN
We have an update on bicycle and motorcycle helmet wearing from Thomas Lekander of the Swedish National Road Administration.