White helmets can reduce motorcyclists' collision risk: NZ researcher

[Jake]

WELLINGTON, April 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Motorcyclists can reduce theirrisk of a collision by nearly a quarter simply by wearing a white helmet, according to researchers in Auckland, New Zealand.

"Motorcycle drivers who wore black helmets were far more likely to be in crashes, while those with white helmets were the least likely to be in an accident," said researcher Susan Wells in a study released Saturday.

A senior lecturer in epidemiology in the Auckland University's school of population health, Dr. Wells said the research team was surprised that something as simple as helmet color could make sucha significant difference.

"Other light or bright colors were also safe, but not to the same extent as white," she said.

The study, published this week in the British Medical Journal, was undertaken over a three-year period on Auckland roads, and showed that most motorcycle crashes occurred in urban 50 kmh speedzones, during the day and in fine weather.

Dr. Wells said the population-based study was the first of its kind to look at the visibility of motorcyclists and the risk of accidents.

"Now, as I drive around, I realize how much easier it is to notice motorcycle riders who are wearing white helmets, compared to those with black ones," Dr. Wells said. "It is a cheap way for people to improve their safety on the roads."

Similar work at the university last year showed silver was the safest color for cars, while brown, black and green were the most dangerous.

The motorcycle research was based on 463 motorcycle drivers involved in crashes leading to hospital treatment or death between1993 and 1996 and a control group of 1213 motorcycle drivers who were randomly selected for roadside surveys during the same period.

Other factors that significantly lowered the risk of a crash included wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing, such as a jacket or vest, and using headlights during the daytime.

The inability of motorcyclists to be seen by other road users is thought to be an important factor associated with the risk of crashes.

Dr. Wells said the visibility of the motorcycle drivers that were involved in crashes was investigated to work out what aspectsmay improve safety. Factors such as age, years of riding experience, light and weather conditions and risk-taking behavior such as alcohol consumption were taken into account.

"We would recommend that motorcycle riders wear reflective or fluorescent clothing, wear white or light colored helmets and use their headlights day and night."

"These are cheap ways to increase their visibility on the roadsand will considerably reduce motorcycle crash-related injuries anddeath," Dr. Wells said. Enditem