Motor cycle helmets and facial injuries

Med J Aust. 1977 Jan 29;1(5):125-7. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1977.tb130562.x.

Abstract

The design of motor cycle helmets has been changing over the years and at the present time there are two basic types in popular use: "full-face" and "jet" helmets. Both helmet types give good protection to the brain, but, one would think, different degrees of facial protection. A special study of traffic crashes has indicated that full-face helmets provide significantly greater protection against facial injury than do jet helmets. The study also indicated that the wearers of full-face helmets have no greater risk of involvement in road traffic crashes than do the wearers of jet helemts. It is suggested that the use of full-face helmets should be encouraged and consideration given to the revision of helmet standards to require the provision of facial protection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic* / prevention & control
  • Australia
  • Facial Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Facial Injuries / prevention & control
  • Head Protective Devices*
  • Humans
  • Protective Devices*