Image of my helmet after the crash [1]. Hospital cleared me the same day, with couple stitches. Surgeon said if not for helmet I would be gone.
This is completely false and not based on any science. Bicycle helmets are meant to crush, not to break. When they break, they absorb very little of the impact's energy.
There was blood so it didn't even protect you from abrasions. A construction type hard hat would of provided more protection.