Why Wear Helmet: Helmet is not only to avoid challan but also to save your life. Know the benefits of wearing a helmet, tips to choose the right helmet and important facts related to it.
Helmet Benefits: Every day thousands of people travel by bike and scooter in India. Some people do not wear helmet on the pretext of short distance or in a hurry. They think – “It’s just a 2 minute journey, what will happen?” But road accidents do not depend on how far you are going. The head is at greatest risk in a road accident. If there is a serious injury to the head, it is difficult to save life. In such a situation, a good helmet can become the biggest protective shield between your life and death.
What does a helmet do?
The main function of a helmet is to protect the head from injury during an accident. When a bike or scooter accident occurs, the head may hit the road, vehicle or any other object directly. Helmet reduces the impact of this collision to a great extent. This reduces the risk of serious injury to the head, skull and brain.
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Why is it important to wear a helmet?
1. Prevents serious head injuries
Our brain is the most important organ of the body. A sharp injury to the head can result in death or lifelong disability. Helmet reduces this danger considerably.
2. Chances of saving life increase
Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head injury during an accident. This is the reason why in almost all the countries of the world, emphasis is laid on wearing a helmet while driving a two-wheeler.
3. The law is followed
In India, under the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for the driver and pillion passenger (as per rules applicable in many states) to wear a helmet. Not wearing a helmet can lead to challan and other legal action.
4. Protection from dust, rain and sunlight
Helmet provides protection not only in accidents but also during travelling. As-
- dust protection
- relief from rain
- protection from bright sun
- Protect eyes and face from flying stones or insects
5. Travel with confidence
When you wear a helmet properly, traveling feels much safer. It also strengthens the habit of safety. Just wearing a helmet is not enough, choosing the right helmet is also important. Keep these things in mind while buying a helmet…
- Buy BIS (ISI) certified helmet.
- The size of the helmet should be correct according to your head.
- Always tie the strap tightly.
- Do not re-use a helmet that has been badly damaged in an accident.
- Replace very old or broken helmets.
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Why are half helmets or helmets without straps dangerous?
Some people wear a helmet but do not tie its strap. At the time of an accident, such a helmet can come off the head and does not fulfill the purpose of protection. Similarly, low quality or fake helmets also do not provide complete protection.
When were helmets created?
Metal helmets were worn by soldiers for thousands of years to protect their heads. The modern motorcycle helmet was developed in the early 20th century. In 1914, British doctor Dr. Eric Gardner recommended motorcycle racers wear helmets. After this, helmets were made mandatory for the first time in a major motor racing event in England. In 1935, the famous British officer and motorcycle enthusiast T.E. After the death of Lawrence of Arabia due to serious head injury, the need for helmets came to the world’s attention. Research by Sir Hugh Cairns, the neurosurgeon who treated him, proved that helmets can significantly reduce serious head injuries. This research laid the foundation for modern helmet laws. Following the research of Sir Hugh Cairns, companies such as Bell Helmets developed helmets with fiberglass and modern safety standards in the 1950–60s.
Some important facts about helmet
- In 1961, the Australian state of Victoria enacted the world’s first mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
- Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by approximately 22% to 42%.
- The risk of serious head injuries may be reduced by 41% to 69%.
- Early helmets were made of leather, whereas today carbon fiber, fiberglass and polycarbonate are used.
Content Source: WHO, Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP).