[Evaluation of the usefulness of the motorcycle helmet in adolescents in Trieste].

The effectiveness of the motorcycle helmet was assessed in 359 accidents involving adolescents under 16 in the Trieste area in 1985-88. Comparison of the 18 months preceding and following the introduction of the law revealed that helmet use significantly reduced the number and gravity (as objectively assessed using the Abbreviated Injury Scale) of cranial and facial injuries but made no significant difference to other areas. The 70-80% reduction in head injuries also significantly reduced the incidence of multiple injuries and hospital admissions. The effectiveness of the helmet demonstrated in this study primarily concerned with motorcycle accidents in urban areas suggests that it should now also be made obligatory for those currently exempt.