The Facts that Support Helmet Use

1. The Facts that Support Helmet Use

2. •As a pageant winner in the Miss America system, Kelly Dillard chose helmet safety as her personal
platform. Speaking on this topic, Kelly Dillard earned titles such as Miss West Texas Outstanding Teen and
Miss North Texas.

3. •Since the first records of bicycle-related fatalities in 1932, nearly 44,000 cyclists have died in such
accidents. In 1997 alone, bicycle falls claimed the lives of 813 riders, including 232 children. These
statistics place bicycle accidents among the most common causes of childhood mortality due to injury.

4. •When one considers that between 70 percent and 80 percent of bicycle-related fatal crashes involve
head injuries, it becomes clear that helmets can save hundreds if not thousands of lives. In fact, in the past
few years alone, approximately 90 percent of bicyclists killed in accidents lacked a helmet while riding.

5. •In addition to fatal crashes, bicycle accidents place 400,000 children under the age of 15 in hospital
emergency rooms each year. When adults are added, the number rises to approximately 544,000.
Statistics show that helmet use in children could prevent up to 45,000 head and brain injuries, while
helmet use across the board reduces the risk of similar injuries by 85 percent.

6. •In addition to fatal crashes, bicycle accidents place 400,000 children under the age of 15 in hospital
emergency rooms each year. When adults are added, the number rises to approximately 544,000.
Statistics show that helmet use in children could prevent up to 45,000 head and brain injuries, while
helmet use across the board reduces the risk of similar injuries by 85 percent.