Volvo Crash Tests Bicycle Helmets with Its Cars

Tim Tate | | Bicycle Accident Articles
Bicycle Accident In Texas

Swedish automaker Volvo is looking at ways to make its vehicles pose less of a threat to cyclists through new crash tests aimed at assessing the safety of bicycle helmets in collisions with Volvo cars.

Although bike riding can be a fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, it does not come without risks. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of approximately 467 thousand bicyclists suffered crash-related injuries in the United States.

In a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), researchers found that the use of bicycle helmets led to a marked reduction in serious and fatal head and brain injuries, including:

  • Minor head injuries were reduced by 48%
  • Serious head injuries were reduced by 60%
  • Traumatic brain injuries were reduced by 53%
  • The total number of severe or fatal injuries for cyclists was reduced by 34%

Volvo’s New Bicycle Helmet Crash Tests

Because the use of helmets can dramatically reduce the severity of head injuries that cyclists suffer, particularly when involved in collisions with motor vehicles, Volvo recently teamed up with POC, another Swedish firm, to develop a series of crash tests for bike helmets.

Volvo claims that the crash tests will improve the current procedures for testing bike helmets, which the company claims are “fairly rudimentary” right now.

Current helmet testing involves dropping the helmet from various heights onto angled or flat surfaces. In these tests, the bike helmets are attached to a rig and are launched against a stationary Volvo vehicle at different angles and speeds.

Volvo hopes that these new crash tests will help POC improve the safety of its helmets, as well as help Volvo make improvements to vehicle design and safety.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Bike Accidents

There are many types of head and brain injuries that cyclists could sustain even if they are wearing the proper protective gear during an accident. These include concussions, contusions, hemorrhages, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

If you are a cyclist, here are some safety tips that could help you minimize your risk of being involved in a crash:

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ensure that your bike is properly maintained.
  • Wear bright colors and use lights to enhance your visibility to other drivers.
  • Make sure you follow all traffic laws.
  • Use bike lanes and roadways whenever possible.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Bike Accident

If you are involved in a bike accident, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Stay calm and move away from traffic to avoid more danger if you are able.
  • Call 911. If you have sustained any injuries, emergency services should be able to treat them onsite. If your injuries are more serious, a hospital visit may be necessary.
  • Get the driver’s license plate number, insurance, and contact information.
  • Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you may have sustained.
  • Write down a detailed account of what happened as soon as you can.
  •  Keep track of all your injuries, medical bills, damages, and expenses.
  • Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.

How Tate Law Offices, P.C., Can Help

If you were injured in a bike accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., for help immediately.

Our Dallas bike accident attorneys are ready to do everything in our power to help you seek the fair compensation you need to pay your medical bills, recoup lost wages, and other expenses associated with the accident.

Call us, email us through our contact form, or chat with us live.