[The rationale for promotion of bicycle helmet legislation for children up to 18 years].

BACKGROUND

Each year, many children suffer from injuries caused by bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller skates accidents. Head injury is the most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle-related crashes. In various studies the use of bicycle helmets has been proven to be the most effective measure in preventing head injury: the use of bicycle helmets reduced the risk of head and brain injury by 85-88%. Legislation that mandates the use of helmets has been shown to effectively increase helmet use and, therefore, significantly decrease head injuries among riders. COST-BENEFIT: Legislation requiring helmets will save $44.2 million (direct benefit) to society over a 5-year period, and save approximately 57 lives, 2,544 hospitalizations, and 13,355 emergency room visits. BICYCLE-RELATED DEATHS AND INJURIES IN ISRAEL: Data from trauma registry of 10 hospitals of the Israeli Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine research indicate that 649 children ages 17 years and under were injured in a bicycle-related accidents (58-serious, 77-medium injury). Bicycle-related injuries accounted for approximately 33% of motor vehicle accidents among children ages 17 years and under.

LEGISLATION

Many countries have legislation requiring helmets for riders. In Israel, there is no law requiring helmets. On a telephone survey, conducted by 'Beterem', a high support rate for a law requiring bicycle helmets (89%) was found among parents to children up to 15 years of age. Based on the evidence of the effectiveness of helmets as a means for reducing head injuries in cyclists, and the importance of a law to this effect, the medical community in Israel should act to promote the legislation requiring helmets for children on bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and rollerblades.