Rotational head injuries

[Chris S]

On another forum I saw reference to 'rotational head injuries caused by helmets.'

Would these be due to the aerodynamic bit at back and if so would BMX style helmets be safer?

 

[gbb]

My understanding Chris would be in the supposed event of your head hitting the road that the helmet 'could' cause your head to 'rotate' causing possibly more injury that had you not been wearing a helmet.

I say 'supposed' because i dont buy it. In some circumstances i suppose it is possible, but i wouldnt let that stop me wearing or buying one. Co-incidentally, i'm an occasional helmet wearer, mainly for city commuting, dark or poor weather. I dont have an axe to grind one way or the other.
Personally, i think its a ruse overused by the anti wearing brigade to justify not wearing.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Who needs to justify not wearing a helmet?

I don't and I don't give a feck if you do. Each to his own.

BTW, this thread could develop some serious legs

 

[mcshroom]

Anyone for

 

[gaz]

Wear a hans device

 

[adscrim]

Always ensure that when you fall, it's on some soft grass. That way you don't need to wear a helmet.

 

[guitarpete247]

Something like this?

Freaks me out .

 

[mcshroom]

Something like this?


Freaks me out .

Not just you

 

[Mark_Robson]

9 posts and no Cunobelin? He's slacking.

 

[vernon]

I don't recall there being any worries expressed by motorcyclists about rotational head injuries caused by helmets.

 

[avsd]

Each individual should make their own decision. I fell at speed in July. Busted a rib and broke the helment in three places but no stitches or concussion. I have moved from an occasional helmet wearer to always wearing a helmet when on a bike.

Mind you if cycling on soft grass I could consider going without the helmet.

 

[avsd]

PS - when do you loase the 'newbie' tag around here?

 

[ufkacbln]

9 posts and no Cunobelin? He's slacking.

I wanted to be polite and let you go first!

 

[ufkacbln]

Duplicated post

 

[ufkacbln]

Rotational injuries are a problem (or not) attributed to the design of helmets.

THe theory goes that instead of sliding and shedding momentum, these points can snag and arrest movement causing the helmet to rotate th head, and cause injury with the abrupt stop (diffuse axonal injury). In some cases this may even cause the helmet to eject and come off the head.

There is a (pro) helmet site in the US -the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute that discusses snag points, and the "Rounder, Smoother, Safer" campaign.

Their buying guide suggests:

You want a smoothly rounded outer shell, with no sharp ribs or snag points. Excessive vents mean less foam contacting your head, which could concentrate force on one point. "Aero" helmets are not noticeably faster, and in a crash the "tail" could snag or knock the helmet aside

So in quick reply (Mark will be pleased) there is certainly evidence to support the theory that BMX type helmets could be safer.

Edited - URL corrected