Helmet protection paradox for powered two-wheeler users: Concerns in data misinterpretation and need for improved data systems

The protective efficacy of helmets may be misconstrued due to shortcomings in crash data collection systems. This paper aims to decipher the reasons behind the “helmet protection paradox,” using Bengaluru, India, as a case study. Official reports indicated that three-fourths of fatal two-wheeler crashes in Bengaluru city involved riders who were wearing helmets, leading to a paradoxical interpretation of the protective efficacy of helmets. Understanding helmet use patterns in the source population and crash data systems is key to resolving this paradox. Our findings suggest that the paradox arises from a combination of a high prevalence of non-standard helmet use in Bengaluru and shortcomings in recording the “type of helmet use” in data systems. It is recommended that existing crash and fatality data systems capture information regarding the “type of helmet use” to prevent erroneous interpretations of the protective efficacy of helmets.