Helmets and Kids Safety from TBI
With the Holiday season coming to a close and children venturing outdoors to try out their new bikes, scooters, etc. it is a good time to raise awareness once again to the dangers of Traumatic Brain Injuries. Bicycles are associated with almost half (47%) of traumatic brain injuries suffered by children. According to the bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, helmets reduce the risk of serious brain injury by 85%. Unfortunately, fewer than 41 percent of children ages 5 to 14 wear helmets while riding a bike or scooter and of those who wear a helmet, 35 percent of them wear it incorrectly according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. Remember to only purchase helmets with a certification sticker from Consumer Products Safety Commission, Snell, ASTM or ANSI. These companies make sure the helmets meet current safety standards. Go to www.consumerreports.com to research safety malfunctions, recalls and helmet ratings. Most importantly, if a child severely hits their head while wearing a helmet, throw it away. In fact, if some manufacturers are notified of a severe head impact without injury, they will replace the helmet for free.
