Motorized two-wheeler crash injuries and the role of helmet-use in their prevention: An overview

Road-traffic accidents are a major cause of premature death and disability all over the world and motorized two wheelers (motorcycles/scooters/mopeds) account for the majority of such cases, particularly, in the developing countries like India where they are one of the most important means of transportation, unlike the developed countries where they are used for recreation. Head injuries are a leading cause of death from motorcycle crashes, with many deaths occurring despite optimal use of the available treatment facilities. On the other hand, there is substantial evidence that safety helmets are effective in reducing the incidence and severity of head injuries due to motorcycle crashes. In recent years, mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists has received a considerable attention all over India. Strict implementation of the helmet laws, presently limited to bigger cities only, if extended to smaller cities and towns may help restrict the ever-increasing workload of emergency management services engaged in trauma care.