BICYCLE HELMETS IN ISRAEL - OBSERVED CHANGE IN USAGE FOLLOWING A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN

Bicycle-related head injuries are an important cause of injury and dea th among bicycle riders. The use of bicycle helmets could reduce the r ate of serious head trauma among bicyclists involved in accidents. A n ationwide survey was conducted in Israel to determine the usage of suc h helmets. This survey preceded a media campaign encouraging the use o f bicycle helmets. A second survey compared the rates of helmet usage following the media campaign with those rates prior to the campaign. A modest but significant increase in the use of bicycle helmets was obs erved. In order to further increase this rate, additional educational campaigns are needed and possibly the enactment of legislation.