Helmets and preventing motorcycle- and bicycle-related injuries. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association

Abstract

RESOLUTION 423, as amended and adopted at the 1992 Interim Meeting, asked that the American Medical Association (AMA) evaluate the effectiveness of motorcycle and bicycle helmets in preventing injuries, determine the medical costs of not using helmets, and explore ways of ensuring the use of helmets by instituting incentives or disincentives such as insurance premium adjustments or licensing fees. This report responds to the medical science aspects of the resolution and considers the occurrence and prevention of motorcycle- and bicycle-related injuries and the efficacy of helmet use by motorcyclists and bicyclists. The AMA's Council on Medical Services is studying the use of incentives and disincentives and will report to the House of Delegates at a future meeting. See also pp 1506 and 1541. According to age-adjusted data, injuries are the third most common cause of death in the US population, with vehiclerelated deaths causing approximately half of all deaths.1