Risk compensation: a male phenomenon? Results from a controlled intervention trial promoting helmet use among cyclists.
Level II
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 22497201.
- Also identified by DOI 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300711 and PMC identifier 3477913.
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Abstract
Prevention tools are challenged by risky behaviors that follow their adoption. Speed increase following helmet use adoption was analyzed among bicyclists enrolled in a controlled intervention trial. Speed and helmet use were assessed by video (2621 recordings, 587 participants). Speeds were similar among helmeted and nonhelmeted female cyclists (16.5 km/h and 16.1 km/h, respectively) but not among male cyclists (helmeted: 19.2 km/h, nonhelmeted: 16.8 km/h). Risk compensation, observed only among male cyclists, was moderate, thus unlikely to offset helmet preventive efficacy.
Medical subject headings
- Accidents, Traffic
- Bicycling
- Competitive Behavior
- Head Protective Devices
- Health Promotion
- Risk-Taking