Back to School – The summer holidays are over and students are back at school. This is also a time when the cooler Fall weather is upon us – a good time for kids and their families to leave their cars at home and ride their bikes to school and work! As well as a valuable source of transportation; cycling is also a great recreational activity, as long it is performed safely.
Safety when cycling is important, especially since the morning and afternoon rush contributes to greater accident risks. The best way to remain safe when riding a bike is to wear a properly fitted helmet. Taking this safety measure has been known to reduce the risk of serious injury such as concussion, brain injury, and even death.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, University of Toronto concludes that helmets help prevent fatalities, not just non-serious head injuries as previously thought. (Article: Cyclists without helmets 3x chance of death)
Not only are brain injuries the leading cause of death in cyclists, if survived, a brain injury can seriously affect the rest of your or your loved one’s life. Even slight trauma to the brain can cause both mental and physical limitations. Victims of these injuries can face years of therapy and rehabilitation, and the impact can often last for the rest of their lives.
Although many kids do not see helmets as being ‘cool’, it is important to encourage them to wear their helmets at all times. To promote this safety habit among your child, simple strategies can be used:
- lead by good example and wear a helmet yourself;
- set rules to promote good behaviours (i.e. must wear your helmet if you want to use your bike);
- and lastly, make helmets fun by letting your child choose the color and design for their helmet.
It is also important to note that any person under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a helmet. Also, parents and guardians are responsible to ensure that any child under the age of 16 is wearing a helmet. It’s the law, read more here.
The Fall is a great time for kids and families to get outdoors on their bikes and take advantage of the weather – as long as such outdoor activities are done safely, you can ensure the break will be enjoyable for everyone!
Protect Your Brain – Put a lid on it!
Click here for proper helmet fitting instructions
If you have any question regarding how LDOT can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us.