Computer vision-based helmet use registration for e-scooter riders - The impact of the mandatory helmet law in Copenhagen

PROBLEM

E-scooters are a new form of mobility used more frequently in urban environments worldwide. As there is evidence of an increased risk of head injuries, helmets are recommended and (less frequently) legislated. Denmark has enacted mandatory e-scooter helmet use legislation from January 1, 2022. So far, it is unclear how this newly implemented law influenced helmet use of e-scooter riders in Denmark immediately after its implementation.

METHOD

In this observational study, we register and compare e-scooter helmet use before the mandatory helmet use legislation (December 2021) and after (February 2022). As observational survey data collection in the field can be highly time-consuming, we conducted a video-based observation survey. We trained and applied a computer vision algorithm to automatically register e-scooter helmet use in the video data.

RESULTS

The trained algorithm produces accurate helmet use data, which does not differ significantly from human-registered helmet use. In applying the algorithm to video data collected in December 2021 and February 2022, we register an overall e-scooter helmet use of 4.4% in n = 1054 riders. Splitting the observation between the time before and after the implementation of the helmet use law reveals a significant increase in helmet use from 1.80% to 5.56%.

DISCUSSION

In this study, we successfully train and apply an object detection algorithm to register accurate helmet use data in videos collected in Copenhagen, Denmark. Using this algorithm, we find a significant impact of a new mandatory e-scooter helmet use law on e-scooter riders' helmet use behavior. Limitations of the study as well as future research needs, are discussed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Computer vision algorithms can be used for accurate e-scooter helmet assessments. Implementing a mandatory helmet use law can increase helmet use of e-scooters at specific observation sites.

Analysis of social interactions and risk factors relevant to the spread of infectious diseases at hospitals and nursing homes

Ensuring the safety of healthcare workers is vital to overcome the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We here present an analysis of the social interactions between the healthcare workers at hospitals and nursing homes. Using data from an automated hand hygiene system, we inferred social interactions between healthcare workers to identify transmission paths of infection in hospitals and nursing homes. A majority of social interactions occurred in medication rooms and kitchens emphasising that health-care workers should be especially aware of following the infection prevention guidelines in these places. Using epidemiology simulations of disease at the locations, we found no need to quarantine all healthcare workers at work with a contagious colleague. Only 14.1% and 24.2% of the health-care workers in the hospitals and nursing homes are potentially infected when we disregard hand sanitization and assume the disease is very infectious. Based on our simulations, we observe a 41% and 26% reduction in the number of infected healthcare workers at the hospital and nursing home, when we assume that hand sanitization reduces the spread by 20% from people to people and 99% from people to objects. The analysis and results presented here forms a basis for future research to explore the potential of a fully automated contact tracing systems.