Student Seminar Series - August 2, 2005
University of Minnesota
School of Statistics
College of Liberal Arts

Examining the Effectiveness of a Bicycle Helmet


Nicole Pshon


Tuesday, August 2, 2005
2:00 PM, 155 Ford Hall
Minneapolis, East Bank Campus

Refreshments at 1:30 PM
300 Ford Hall


Abstract

 Many studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of bicycle helmets. Most of the results have concluded that helmets are effective at reducing head injuries. Because of this, it has been widely accepted that bicycle helmets provide protection in an accident. Several countries have had mandatory helmet legislation put into effect to encourage helmet wearing behavior. This lecture discusses if legislation is successful at reducing the number of head injuries through increased helmet use. It will also discuss the statistical evidence supporting the reduction of head injuries, and if conclusions can really be drawn about the helmet’s effectiveness.