Motorcycle helmets are the strongest line of defense against traumatic brain injuries during motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists face a much higher risk of injury compared to drivers in enclosed vehicles due to their direct exposure to the hazards of a crash.
Brain injury can be the most severe consequence of a motorcycle accident. It is important to understand how a proper helmet can prevent long-term cognitive, physical and emotional challenges resulting from a crash.
How helmets help prevent brain injury
Motorcycle helmets absorb and dissipate the force from a collision or fall, reducing the trauma that reaches the head and brain. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries, including TBIs, by as much as 69%. This makes helmets one of the most effective tools for protecting motorcyclists from serious head trauma.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain experiences a sudden and violent impact, such as when a rider’s head hits the ground during a vehicle accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Even a seemingly minor brain injury can have serious consequences, including memory loss and impaired motor functions. Helmets help reduce the chances of these injuries by cushioning the impact and spreading the force over a larger area of the skull.
Helmets protect against other kinds of injuries
In addition to preventing TBIs, helmets also provide protection against other forms of head trauma. They help prevent skull fractures, facial injuries and other types of damage. Helmets lessen the risk of lacerations and abrasions to the scalp and face, which further enhances their value in accident prevention.
While helmets are not 100% effective at preventing all brain injuries, they significantly reduce the severity of potential damage. Wearing a helmet can mean the difference between a mild concussion and a life-altering brain injury. For motorcyclists, making the decision to wear a helmet greatly increases the chances of surviving an accident without long-term brain damage.