Widespread Variations Exist in Bike Helmet Laws across Canada

This article briefly reports on the widespread variations that exist in bicycle helmet laws across Canada. The author reports that between 1994–98, the rate of bicycle-related head injuries declined in all provinces, but the head-injury rate declined far more significantly (by 45%) in provinces that had adopted helmet laws. In provinces and territories without helmet legislation, the rate only dropped by 27%. The data is more clear for children than for adult cyclists. The author reviews the differences in legislation across the provinces: in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and British Columbia all cyclists are required to wear helmets; in Alberta and Ontario there are helmet laws in place, but in both cases the legislation only applies to those under 18; and Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador there is no legislation governing bicycle helmet use. The author interviews Dr. Charles Tator, who in 1992 founded ThinkFirst, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries. Tator says the goal is to have every province follow the lead of Nova Scotia, which made helmets mandatory for all cyclists — regardless of age — as well as for those using rollerblades, scooters and skateboards. According to ThinkFirst, each severe brain injury costs the health care system more than $400,000 at the time of injury. And that cost is duplicated each year after the injury, due to intensive follow-up treatments and care involved with brain injuries. The article concludes by noting the irony of costing society millions of dollars rather than putting on a $20 helmet.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08203946
• Authors:
  • Casey, Quentin
• Publication Date: 2010-9-21

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp E635-E636
• Serial:
  • Canadian Medical Association Journal
  • Volume: 182
  • Issue Number: 13
  • Publisher: Canadian Medical Association
  • ISSN: 0820-3946
  • EISSN: 0820-3946
  • Serial URL: http://www.cmaj.ca/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adults; Age groups; Bicycle helmets; Brain; Children; Crash injuries; Cyclists; Laws and legislation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Head injuries
• Geographic Terms: Canada; Canadian Provinces
• Subject Areas: Law; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I84: Personal Injuries;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01352296
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 21 2011 7:14AM