Helmets for motorized two-wheelers
Wearing a crash helmet can substantially reduce head and neck injuries among moped riders and motorcyclists. Estimates indicate a 40% reduction of the risk of fatal crashes and a 30% drop of the risk of severe injury. According to the WHO (2006), the injury rate and head injury severity are almost three-quarters less when a helmet is worn. In Italy the Trauma Brain Injury (TBI) of motorcyclists and moped riders dropped by 66% after helmet use was made compulsory. Opinions differ about the disadvantages of wearing a crash helmet. According to Swiss researchers a helmet heavier than 1500 grams actually increases the risk of concussion; other researchers have not found the same result. The helmet types that meet the requirements of the EU regulations are the integral, jet, and system helmet; this last type is an integral helmet with a hinged jaw guard.
In the Netherlands, wearing a helmet has been compulsory for motorcyclists since 1972 and is generally accepted. In 1975 it was also made compulsory for moped riders. In contrast with the motorcyclists, who practically all wear a helmet, the percentage of moped riders (and their duo-passengers) wearing a helmet decreased up to 2002, when only 90% of the riders and 74% of the passengers wore one. The way in which the helmets are worn also leaves a lot to be desired. Especially the chin straps of moped riders' helmets are often not tight enough even though this is essential for properly protecting the head. After 2002, more intensive police enforcement increased wearing a helmet, but recently helmet use has decreased again.
It is striking that far more moped riders than motorcyclists become in-patients. Also head and skull injuries are twice as frequent among moped riders than among motorcyclists. At the same time, motorcyclists often have severer torso and arm injuries. The age of motorcycle victims shows a wide range, but shows a peak between 25 and 34 years old, whereas for moped riders the 16 and 17 year olds are over-represented.
For more details:
Fact sheet Motorcycle and moped helmets (pdf)
