Protective Helmets Prevent Head Injuries

Due to the increasing number of fatalities in motorcycle accidents, Councilor Jong Cortez sponsored a motion requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct a campaign to implement the requirement for motorcyclists to wear protective helmets.

“Protective helmets will lessen the probability of head injuries and death in motorcycle accidents or collision with other vehicles. These gears would be their best protection against head or skull trauma or brain injuries in case motorcyclists fall from their vehicles and bump their heads,” Councilor Cortez said, explaining the rationale behind the draft resolution. “This is in line with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.’s effort to protect the welfare of motorists and keep Olongapo’s roads safe.”

According to the Forum on Road Safety for Motorcycle Riders conducted by the University of the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Health and World Health Organization, the most deadly injuries to motorcycle accident victims were to the head and chest. Said forum also noted that the use of safety helmets is the single critical factor in the prevention or reduction of head injuries, helmets being 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcyclists.

Pao/sara