TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau stated Tuesday that head injuries are the leading cause of death in traffic accidents, urging citizens to wear helmets while riding.

Analysis of traffic accident data reveals that over 80% of fatal cases involve head injuries. According to Ministry of Transportation statistics, the fatality rate for individuals not wearing helmets is over eight times higher than for those who properly wear them.

The Taipei City Police Traffic Division has observed that some helmets come off during collisions or falls, rendering them ineffective in providing protection. Riders were recommended to choose helmets that fit securely.

A helmet should fit snugly on the rider's head and not shift easily when the head moves. Three-quarters or full-face helmets offer better protection and improve overall road safety.

The chin strap should be fastened under the chin, leaving a gap of about one to two fingers. Helmets also have a shelf life and should be replaced after five years from the manufacturing date, two years from the first use, or after a significant fall or collision.

Chin-cup helmets have been banned in Taiwan since 2009. This helmet design secures the chin strap at the front of the chin, using both the chin and top of the head as fixed points, but it is prone to detachment during impact, per Hsinchu City Police.

Furthermore, since chin cups are typically made of plastic, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause them to harden and deform. This can lead to skin abrasions or even severe injuries, such as cutting the carotid artery, resulting in significant blood loss and posing a serious safety risk to riders.