It is that time of year again when harsh winter conditions are gone and we can enjoy summer weather.   So, grab your family and friends for a bicycle ride.  But don’t forget to bring a bicycle helmet.  Always consider the helmet as a necessity and not just an accessory. 

    Nearly 540,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms across the country with bicycling injuries every year, and over 800 bicyclists are killed annually.  Experts agree that head injuries sustained in bicycle related incidents are the leading cause of death and the biggest factor in permanent injuries.  Non-fatal head injuries can result in brain injury, memory loss, sleep disorders, behavior disorders, and headaches.  Approximately 50% of children hospitalized for bicycle related injuries are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, and more than 40% of all bicycle related deaths due to head injuries occur among children 14 years and under.

    Most head injuries occur, not from an initial collision, but instead from the fall to the pavement, which can occur when riding at a low speed or when stopped.  Even with seemingly minor impact, when the head hits the pavement the pressure can crack the skull, cause swelling, and irreparably damage brain tissue.  It is crucial for bicycle riders to recognize that they can be seriously injured just by falling to the pavement. 

    A bicycle helmet is the most effective safety device available to reduce head injuries and deaths from bicycle crashes.  A helmet reduces the impact of the head hitting the pavement.  Medical research has shown that helmets may reduce head and brain injury by as much as 85%.  It is estimated that approximately 75% of bicycle related fatalities among children could have been prevented if they were wearing a helmet.  Unfortunately, helmet usage continues to be ignored, particularly, among children.

    Children are reluctant to wear a bicycle helmet due to peer pressure and a feeling that a helmet is not considered “cool.”  It is up to parents to require a reluctant child to wear a helmet.  The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, a non-profit helmet advocacy program, provides the following tips for getting children to wear helmets:

   
     There is no federal law requiring bicycle helmets, but several states and local municipalities have enacted varying laws.  Indiana is one of only thirteen states that have no state or local bicycle helmet laws.  This, however, does not change the fact that parents should require children to wear helmets. By doing this, the likelihood of fatal and serious injuries is significantly reduced. 

    Bicycle helmets vary in price, but a decent and affordable helmet can be purchased for under $10.  When choosing a helmet, make sure it contains a sticker indicating that it meets Consumer Product Standard Commission (CPSC) standards and that it fits the rider.

    Please wear a helmet, regardless of whether you are embarking on a 50-mile ride or you are riding in the driveway.    Bicycle crashes can occur anywhere: sidewalks, driveways, roads, and paths.  All it takes for a serious head injury is a simple fall to the pavement.  Don’t allow your to children to become an injury statistic when they complaint that wearing a helmet is a burden, will mess up their hair, or is not stylish.  The simple precaution of requiring your children to wear a helmet may be the difference between making the summer fun or tragic.



Paul Kruse is an attorney who practices personal injury law with the law firm of Parr Richey Obremskey & Morton

June, 2006