M
Michael Macclan
Guest
Some interesting points in the following article. Carol Thain may not be wrong when she says that a
helmet would reduce injuries in low impact collisions but does it necessarily follow that, "In most
cases of head impact it would provide significant protection to the wearer"? It's the word
'significant' that troubles me. Assuming that most instances of head impact are of the low impact
variety is there a need for 'significant protection'? I assume that most injuries caused in low
impact collisions are insignificant. Saying that a helmet can provide 'significant protection'
implies that it protects in situations for which it isn't designed, doesn't it?
Also, if you're really interested in safety, why have a dark blue helmet with black stripes? Hardly
makes it more visible, does it?
Safety first for cycling Posties by Billy Youngson, The Buchan Observer, 10/04/03
http://www.buchanie.co.uk/archived/2003/Week_015/news/cycle.asp
CYCLING Peterhead posties were some of the first in country to try out new mandatory safety helmets.
Royal Mail has issued all 37,000 Royal Mail staff who do their rounds on their bike with the new
helmets and high-visibility clothing. It has been brought in after extensive tests to find ways of
making Britain's posties safer. At the beginning of last year, Royal Mail looked at different
colours, fit, style, comfort and usability for the uniform. Royal Mail spokeswoman Carol Thain said:
"Research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory concluded that the routine wearing of
cycle helmets would reduce injuries in low impact collisions. "In most cases of head impact it would
provide significant protection to the wearer." Further research analysing the causes of road traffic
accidents involving cyclists showed that in many cases the motorist did not see the cyclist. Mrs
Thain said: "Therefore the wearing of high visibility garments introduces measures to reduce the
risk of collision." She added: "Royal Mail has the largest cycle fleet in the country and the safety
of our cyclists is absolutely paramount." June McMahon, Acting Manager at Peterhead Delivery Office
said: "Staff at Peterhead are very enthusiastic about wearing the cycle helmets and look forward to
doing their duties in a safer environment." Individuals will receive a pack which consists of a top
quality adjustable helmet with an integral set of pads, a spare set of pads, a hat for use with the
helmet in cold weather and a waterproof cap to be worn over the top of the helmet in wet weather.
Each helmet will have discrete branding and serve mainly to positively identify ownership in case of
loss. The helmet itself is dark blue with black stripes.
--
Michael MacClancy
helmet would reduce injuries in low impact collisions but does it necessarily follow that, "In most
cases of head impact it would provide significant protection to the wearer"? It's the word
'significant' that troubles me. Assuming that most instances of head impact are of the low impact
variety is there a need for 'significant protection'? I assume that most injuries caused in low
impact collisions are insignificant. Saying that a helmet can provide 'significant protection'
implies that it protects in situations for which it isn't designed, doesn't it?
Also, if you're really interested in safety, why have a dark blue helmet with black stripes? Hardly
makes it more visible, does it?
Safety first for cycling Posties by Billy Youngson, The Buchan Observer, 10/04/03
http://www.buchanie.co.uk/archived/2003/Week_015/news/cycle.asp
CYCLING Peterhead posties were some of the first in country to try out new mandatory safety helmets.
Royal Mail has issued all 37,000 Royal Mail staff who do their rounds on their bike with the new
helmets and high-visibility clothing. It has been brought in after extensive tests to find ways of
making Britain's posties safer. At the beginning of last year, Royal Mail looked at different
colours, fit, style, comfort and usability for the uniform. Royal Mail spokeswoman Carol Thain said:
"Research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory concluded that the routine wearing of
cycle helmets would reduce injuries in low impact collisions. "In most cases of head impact it would
provide significant protection to the wearer." Further research analysing the causes of road traffic
accidents involving cyclists showed that in many cases the motorist did not see the cyclist. Mrs
Thain said: "Therefore the wearing of high visibility garments introduces measures to reduce the
risk of collision." She added: "Royal Mail has the largest cycle fleet in the country and the safety
of our cyclists is absolutely paramount." June McMahon, Acting Manager at Peterhead Delivery Office
said: "Staff at Peterhead are very enthusiastic about wearing the cycle helmets and look forward to
doing their duties in a safer environment." Individuals will receive a pack which consists of a top
quality adjustable helmet with an integral set of pads, a spare set of pads, a hat for use with the
helmet in cold weather and a waterproof cap to be worn over the top of the helmet in wet weather.
Each helmet will have discrete branding and serve mainly to positively identify ownership in case of
loss. The helmet itself is dark blue with black stripes.
--
Michael MacClancy