Weaknesses with a Meta-Analysis Approach to Assessing Cycle Helmets
Cycle helmets are a contentious issue which stems from evidence both for and against their use and the negative effects from when legislation is imposed, which has led to fines for non-wearers, some people cycling less or stopping and health implications. A meta-analysis by Olivier and Creighton includes reports that compare the proportion of head injuries or other injuries for wearer vs non-wearers. Weaknesses in this approach stem from the combined effect of issues which affect both the accident rate and head injury rate for helmeted vs non-helmeted or not fully being able to evaluate the differences that occur. The meta-analysis claims that helmet use is associated with odds reductions of 51% for head injury, 69% for serious head injury, 33% for face injury and 65% for fatal head injury. When examined in detail, all were found to be unreliable claims due to weaknesses of the supporting evidence and methodology.
- Record URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13527614
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Supplemental Notes:
- © 2017 World Transport Policy & Practice Journal.
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Authors:
- Clarke, Colin
- Publication Date: 2017-2
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 8-35
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Serial:
- World Transport Policy & Practice
- Volume: 22
- Issue Number: 4
- Publisher: Eco-Logica Limited
- ISSN: 1352-7614
- Serial URL: https://www.worldtransportjournal.org/journal
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Publication flags:
Open Access (libre)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bicycle helmets; Crash injuries; Helmet use; Injury severity; Laws and legislation
- Uncontrolled Terms: Head and neck injuries
- Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01653345
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Dec 11 2017 1:45PM