TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Helmet retention system types as a risk factor to properly attach the chin strap JO - Traffic injury prevention A1 - Freitas, C. A. A1 - Furtado, A. M. A1 - Petterle, R. R. A1 - Pimentel, S. K. A1 - Carvalho, F. H. SP - 173 EP - 178 VL - 19 IS - 2 N2 - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the incorrect use of a helmet retention system (loose or open) and how often this happens.

METHODS: This was an observational transversal study conducted in Curitiba, Brazil. Trained observers positioned at traffic lights collected information about the helmet fixation mode, the helmet model (full-face, open-face, modular, half) and the helmet retention system model (micrometric, double-D, fast-release). Additional data including the position on motorcycle, gender and function of the motorcycle (as a work vehicle) were collected. The observers, collection site and periods were randomly selected by lots.

RESULTS: From a total of 3050 motorcyclists, 1807 (59.2%) had their helmets fastened correctly, 907 (29.7%) had the retention system fastened loosely, and in 336 (11.0%), the retention system was completely open. Increased odds of incorrect use were observed for the fast-release and double-D buckles compared to the micrometrics buckles, with a fixed odds ratio (OR) of 4.62 (95% CI 3.89 - 5.51) and 3.54 (95% CI 2.46- 5.09), respectively (p<0.0001). Full-face helmets had a higher chance of incorrect use (p<0.0001), and passengers had a higher incidence of incorrect use of the helmet than drivers (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: An important risk factor related to the incorrect use of the helmet was the type of the retention system. The helmet model and being a passenger had a secondary influence in the incorrect use of the helmet.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1538-9588 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2017.1356022 ID - ref1 ER -