ridecamp@endurance.net: helmets

helmets

Bob Wilson (bobwilson@pe.net)
Wed, 11 Jun 1997 20:02:03 -0700

Here is an excerpt from a recent rec.equestrian item:

I've just received a fax from the National Brain Injury Association in
Washington, D.C., containing some statistics I requested. For rec.eq,
and for a community relations project I'm hoping to plan with my local
pony club, I also requested some stats. on horseback riding-related
traumatic brain injury (TBI). I'm quoting information contained in
these fact sheets. Here goes:

"Brain injury is responsible for more than 17% of all horseback riding
injuries, and more than 60% of equestrian-related deaths." (They cited
this quote from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System,
1991-92)

"Equestrian helmets are 20% effective in reducing the incidence of
traumatic brain injury among horse riders." (Cited Centers for Disease
Control, Injuries associated with horseback riding, United States. MMWR
May 1990; 39:329-332).

I would think that, according to the reference, the helmet quote
statistic would be a bit higher if the research had been performed last
year. If I remember correctly, helmets in 1990 (and the time preceding
1990 when research was being performed) were not as advanced as they are
now.

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