Even if your child is going fast or slow, wearing helmets is a life-long safety habit that will protect their beautiful brain! Wearing helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the CDC, in 2019, the overall observed helmet use rate for bicyclists in the United States was 47% for ages 5 to 14. The NHTSA goes on to say that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42% in the event of a bicycle crash.
Even biking around the neighborhood or driveway can result in a head-injury related to a crash. Studies have linked long-term effects for children who have traumatic brain injury at an early age. Studies have show there are links to behavior and cognitive difficulties after a brain injury.
You can start today by:
- Establishing a habit of wearing a helmet each time your child gets on wheels.
- Ensuring a proper fit by checking out the Helmet Fit Guide from the NHTSA.
- Replacing old or damaged helmets.
It’s important to promote helmet use among cyclists of all ages as a crucial safety measure. Encouraging and increasing helmet usage rates can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and improve overall biking safety.