Bicycle accident in Bad Münder: Woman with serious facial injuries!

Bicycle accident in Bad Münder: Woman with serious facial injuries!

A serious wheel accident occurred on Saturday, June 14th, in Bad Münder, which makes the shocking consequences of falls clear without protective measures. A couple was on Süntelstrasse by bike around 4 p.m. when the 54-year-old woman fell without external influence and fell on the road. She contracted serious injuries on her face and had to be brought to a clinic with a rescue helicopter. The incident once again raises the question: How well are cyclists protected on their tours?

The police emphasize the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet, which in many cases can prevent serious head injuries. While there is no need for a helmet in Germany, statistics show that wearing a helmet is crucial for security. The scientists report from the website I wear that even 20-80% of the head injuries in cycling could be avoided by wearing a helmet.

helmettrage rate and security awareness

According to a survey, the helmet rate for cycling in Germany was almost 32%in Germany in 2021. In the younger age groups, especially in children, 78% wore a helmet, while this number fell to only 38% in adolescents between the ages of 11 and 16. This shows a decline that is alarming for experts. Dr. Christopher Spering from the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery emphasizes that many adults do not hit the necessary pension and often risk serious injuries in the event of a fall.

A comprehensive analysis of accidents in Munich and Münster proves that only a small part of the injured cyclists wore a helmet: only 16% of the injured in Münster and 21% in Munich were equipped with a helmet in their accident. This throws a bright light on the need for more information about the advantages of the helmet. Studies also show that 82% of the respondents believe that wearing a helmet does not affect their driving style.

challenges in the use of helmet

Over 70% of cyclists use helmets that are older than five years, and many people often do not deal with the question of wearing. Reasons such as inconvenience or concerns about the hairstyle cause cyclists to do without the helmet. Interestingly, the respondents can be observed that 35% believe that they do not need a helmet, far too many are not aware of the risks. Vanity also plays a role, so about 10% of non-helmet supports perceive the helmet as unesthetic or uncomfortable.

Prof. Dr. Michael J. Raschke from the University Hospital Münster makes it clear that helmet carriers usually only suffer slightly slight head injuries, while serious injuries are often the fate of non-helmet bearers. These findings are alarming, especially in view of the increase in Pedelec users, the number of which has doubled from 2017 to 2019.

Another aspect is the fact that most cyclists (82%) indicate that wearing a helmet does not affect their driving style. By survey, it was also found that 24% of the cyclists were willing to wear a helmet if it did not impair their hairstyle. This shows that the sensitization is urgently necessary for this topic.

The combination of these factors means that the bicycle helmet is considered a "lifesaver", especially among older cyclists and e-bike users. In the Netherlands, where the cycling infrastructure is considered excellent, many cyclists do not wear a helmet, while in Germany, despite a incomplete infrastructure, wearing a helmet should be regarded as duty.

The case in Bad Münder is therefore not only a local, but also a national reminder. Cyclists should seriously think about their security precautions and, in particular, consider wearing a helmet. To make the lifesaver argument strong, the key to less severe fall injuries could be and should be emphasized more in further reconnaissance campaigns.