“There is one way parents can give their child the best shot at surviving an impact with a vehicle and minimizing injury from any bike accident,” says Abbey Rymarczyk, community relations prevention coordinator at Dayton Children’s and Safe Kids Greater Dayton coordinator. “Wearing a helmet saves lives. That’s why it’s imperative that every time a child climbs on a bike, he or she also puts on a helmet.”
Here are the facts about bike helmets, according to Safe Kids:
• More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency departments for injuries related to biking than any other sport.
• Bike helmets reduce head injuries by 85 percent.
• Bike helmets reduce brain injury by 88 percent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also says that 75 percent of bike-related deaths would be prevented with a helmet and yet only 10-20 percent of kids across Ohio wear one. Several cities have laws that require helmets, and there are pushes to make it a statewide law.
Here are a few steps to help lay down the law on bike safety in your home.
1. Establish the helmet habit early. Tell your kids no helmet, no bike. Their first bike, which may be a tricycle, needs to come complete with a helmet. Don't allow one foot on a pedal without a helmet. Even if you missed the early window, it's never too late to get your children into helmets.
2. Make sure it fits. The helmet should not sit on the back of a child's head. If they look up and cannot see the rim of the helmet, move it until they can see the rim. Fasten the strap beneath their chin. When they open their mouth, the helmet should hug their head. If it does not, tighten the strap.
3. Make it rewarding. Let children pick out their own helmet. If they make the decision, they are more likely to wear the helmet. If you can't afford a bike helmet, there are bike helmet giveaways. Praise them every time they wear their helmet. If they do so without being told, give them a special treat or privilege.
4. Be a good role model. Kids learn best by watching you so make sure you wear one when you ride, too. Teach by example that bikes are not toys, but rather a first vehicle. Educate them on what can happen if they don't wear a helmet.
About the Author