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Bike crashes can result in serious injury.
In 1997, more than half a million persons were injured badly enough to need emergency department care as a result of bike crashes in the United States. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of brain injury from a bike crash as much as 88%.
You can greatly reduce the chances of having a bike-related injury if you follow these simple tips:
- Children and adults should always wear a bike helmet every time they ride a bike. Think of a bike helmet as a necessity, not an accessory.
- Adults are important role models for children. If you wear a bike helmet, your children are more likely to wear helmets, too.
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If you child doesn't want to wear a helmet, find out why. Some children don't like to wear helmets because they fear they will be teased by peers or because they think bike helmets are unattractive. Talk about these concerns with your child and choose a helmet he or she will want to wear.
WHEN BUYING A HELMET, BY ONE THAT MEETS THE NATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS.
Get one that is the right size; make sure it sits on top of the head in a level position, not tilted back on the head; adjust straps for a snug and
comfortable fit. Teach children always to keep the helmet straps buckled when riding.
MODEL AND TEACH CHILDREN TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD:
- Ride on the right side of the road with the traffic flow, not against it; obey traffic signs and signals; use correct hand signals; stop at all intersections and crosswalks, both marked and
unmarked; stop and look both ways before entering a street; yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and skaters.
- Have children ride on sidewalks and paths until they are at least 10 years old, are able to show good riding skills, and are able to observe the basic rules of the road.
- If riding at dawn, at dusk, or at night, wear reflective clothing (not just light-colored clothing) and make sure that the bike has a headlight and a rear reflector.
- Make sure the bike is in good working order, especially the brakes.
- Encourage your community to build bike paths to separate bike riders from traffic.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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