Many studies that have been conducted on the matter of bicycle helmet safety have concluded that the inflatable airbag design offers more safety than traditional helmets. According to the research conventional helmets do offer safety in the form of preventing skull fractures. Nevertheless, they do not protect the rider well against concussions, a brain injury caused by a violent blow to the head.

 How Does the Inflatable Bicycle Helmet Work?

When riding your bicycle you could suffer a concussion from rapid changes in acceleration and your brain can twist, stretch, or collide with the interior of your skull causing you to suffer a concussion. Inflatable bicycle helmets are designed to be worn around the rider’s neck in the form of a collar. Internal sensors are activated based on motions that suggest an impending accident, in which case the airbag inflates to offer protection around the head and neck. They offer a significant amount of protection against serious injury. It should be mentioned however that airbag bicycle helmets can be costly and are not reusable once they have been deployed.

What Does the Law in Maryland Say About Wearing a Helmet ?

Maryland’s bicycle helmet law is fairly straightforward in that it mandates that all bicyclists under the age of 16 wear a bicycle helmet when riding on public property. This includes roadways, sidewalks, and trails. Some jurisdictions designate their own rules such as Sykesville, Maryland, where the law states that people of all ages, even adults, must wear a helmet.

Do Bicycle Helmets Really Save Lives?

Studies and accident reports demonstrate that the most highly effective method to reduce head injuries and fatalities in bicycle accidents is to simply wear a helmet. Statistics reveal that 70 to 80% of all bicycle fatality crashes also involve head injuries. Sadly, only 18% of all bicyclists wear a helmet. However, studies of bicycle crashes indicate that use of bicycle helmets was found to reduce head injuries by 48 percent, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23%, and total number of those seriously injured or killed by 34%.

Wearing a bicycle helmet is a crucial piece of safety equipment that should be worn by people of all ages to protect themselves from serious injury should an accident occur. If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle accident and sustained injuries through the fault of another you need the help of  an experienced attorney who can help fight to get the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (301) 589-2999. We look forward to assisting you.