Motorcycle helmet protection and basilar skull fracture

Abstract

In Australia, it is compulsory for all motorcyclists, pillion passengers and side-car passengers to wear helmets certified to AS/NZS 1698. Most riders prefer to wear fullface helmets, which appear to offer better facial protection during a crash. Some researchers have noted a greater prevalence of fractures to the base of the skull in fullface helmeted riders. This study was aimed to improve our understanding of the causation of basilar skull fracture (BSF) in motorcycle crashes, to assess the capability of current helmets in reducing the risk of this injury and to assist in setting future motorcycle helmet standards.