Physics of Bicycle Helmets?

Question

I really need help. I have a science assignment due this week about bicycle helmets and why they're used to help prevent injury. It has to explain about the distribution of force and why it helps. Please help if you know what I'm talking about, thanks.

Answer 1

Bicycle helmets work like airbags. The pads allow the time of impact to be much greater so less force is being pushed on your head at once.

Answer 2

If you hit your head at a single point on a helmet the initial blow damages the helmet and not your head.  After this, it distributes the force from the single point of impact on the helmet and reduces the damage by spreading it out over a larger area.  Too much force at one point in your head could cause a fracture in your skull or a more significant head injury.