WHO | Safer roads: Helmets

Helmets protect against serious head injuries and death

Helmet use in Thailand
In the year following enforcement of the helmet-wearing law in Thailand, helmet use increased five-fold, head injuries decreased by 41%, and deaths decreased by 20%.

Facts

- Head trauma is the main cause of death and disability in drivers of motorized two-wheelers.

- Among children, bicycle injuries are the leading cause of injury.

Key interventions

- setting and enforcing laws on helmet wearing

- standards for motorcycle helmets

- penalties for non-use

- targeted information campaigns.