Citation

Anderson RW, Thomas H, Somers RL. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2006; 10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This was a school-based survey that was conducted in 2003 to assess bicycle helmet compliance rates amongst South Australian primary school students riding to school. Thirty-two per cent of South Australian primary schools chose to participate in the survey. The total number of students attending the participating schools accounted for approximately 42 per cent of all primary school children. A sample of non-participating schools was independently surveyed to estimate the differences between participating and non-participating schools. The data were disaggregated to examine any differences discernible between schooling sectors, school location and schools with a high indigenous population. Furthermore, the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and helmet wearing rates was explored. It was estimated that 4 per cent of primary school children ride their bicycle to school. Of the students riding a bicycle to school, 92 per cent wore a helmet. The highest rate of helmet-compliance was reported in Catholic and independent primary schools (100 per cent). Geographically, the lowest rate was reported in the metropolitan Adelaide region (89 per cent). Programs to improve helmet wearing rates might target those from a background of disadvantage and include indigenous children.