Not only can it save a life, but it can prevent epilepsy, personality changes, intellectual and memory impairment, and other results of brain injury. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Bicyclists admitted to hospitals with head injuries are 20 times more likely to die than those with other injuries. An estimated 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths among children could be prevented with the wearing of a bicycle helmet. Head injuries are the most common reason for admission to hospital or even death among riders.
Most injuries occur during pleasure riding.
A horse elevates a rider 8 feet or more above ground. A human skull can be shattered by an impact of 7-10 kph. Horses can gallop at 65 kph. Children's skulls are most vulnerable. Ages ten to fourteen, are the children most likely to be involved in an accident with a horse but all ages are at risk.