For bicyclists, motorcyclists, and sports enthusiasts, wearing a helmet is the first line of defense in helping to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening accidents and injuries. While any type of approved helmet can be a life saver if worn correctly, advances in medical research on the effects of head injuries and how to prevent them has led to a new technology that is building momentum. Knows as MIPS helmets, the following outlines the safety benefits these new products offer, and how they can protect you and those you love in the event an accident occurs.
Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) Helmets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that head injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., sending close to three million people to hospital emergency rooms each year and resulting in death for more than 150 others each day. While cycling and sports or recreational accidents are among the leading causes, the number and severity of these injuries can be reduced by making sure an approved safety helmet is used at all times.
Out of concern over the large number of head injuries he was treating, a Stockholm neurosurgeon, in cooperation with researchers from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, was instrumental in developing the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) helmets in the 1990s. These types of helmets provide the following benefits:
- Using a plastic shield, it mimics the brain’s own cushioning protection, which slips side to side, absorbing impact in collisions while protecting the brain against the force of the blow;
- Traditional helmets are designed to protect in a straight fall, while blows generally occur at an angle. MIPS helmets provide protection from all directions.
While the price of a MIPS helmet is generally 25 percent more than traditional models, the result is potentially fewer and less severe head and brain injuries.
How MIPS Helmets Are Making A Difference
Since the first MIPS helmet was introduced in 2007, demand for them has been steadily increasing in the cycling and sports community. MIPSCorp reports that, in addition to being featured at both national and international cycling conventions, the company has introduced more than 200 models and partnered with 45 different leading brand manufacturers, including:
- Abus;
- Bell Moto;
- Bern;
- Bontrager;
- Kellys;
- Limar;
- Louis Garneau;
- MSC Bikes;
- Specialized;
- Zero rh+.
In addition to gaining momentum with cycling enthusiasts, enthusiasm for MIPS and the life-saving technology these helmets offer has increased in the motocross, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, equestrian, and other sports industries where head injuries are a common risk factor.
Our Portland Personal Injury Attorney Is Here To Help
If you are involved in an accident resulting in a head or brain injury, contact the Johnston Law Firm right away. Our Portland personal injury attorney understands the devastating impact these injuries can have, and provides aggressive representation to assist you in getting the compensation you need to recover.
10.0Marc A Johnston