Free at last! Our kids have been cooped up for months enduring one of the coldest winters on record. The idea of jumping on their bikes, scooters or skateboards to feel the warmth of the sunshine, catch the breeze in their hair and release that restless energy may be all too tempting to resist. But before you let them ride off into the sunset, be mindful of a common misunderstanding that could increase your child’s risk of injury or even death.
Many parents are vigilant in taking bike safety precautions for their children in their earlier years, such as wearing a helmet on their first tricycle. They often believe that younger children are at higher risk for injury or death from an accident. You might be surprised to learn that your child’s risk actually increases as they age. Of greater concern is that as the safety risks increase, the incidents of children in the Chicago area taking precautions by wearing a bike helmet decreases.
Helmet, a volunteer-based community initiative located in Chicago’s north suburbs and dedicated to reducing brain injury, performed observational research revealing helmet use steadily decreases as kids progress in school. Specifically, elementary schoolers were found to wear helmets 78 percent of the time, middle schoolers were found to wear them 55 percent of the time and high-schoolers 16 percent of the time.
National statistics indicate that 91 percent of all cyclists killed in 2009 in the United States were not wearing a helmet.¹
The barrier
The biggest obstacle to helmet use according to a focus group of area adolescents indicated that they make a poor fashion statement. To some, helmets are for bike racers. To others, they are for babies.
Ideas for Parents from Kids
Helmet’s focus group was asked to brainstorm ideas that would increase the likelihood that they would wear a helmet and their ideas were quite insightful.
Share the surprising stats
Their first suggestion was based on their reaction of surprise to the data on the risks. It had real impact and they encouraged parents to share the injury and death statistics with their kids.
Bring the possible injuries to life
Head injuries are no joke whether minor or traumatic. Minor concussions, particularly repetitive ones, can impose various, long-term complications, including attention deficits, learning disabilities and mood disorders. More traumatic brain injuries can inflict loss of vision and other senses, learning problems, seizures, headaches and chronic pain.
Scott Ellis, a parent, physics instructor, bike-riding enthusiast and volunteer with Helmet, built a contraption called “The Melon Smasher.” The device is fun and highly visual and has been well received on a tour of Chicago area schools. It uses a catapult and two watermelons – one with a helmet and one without – to demonstrate the head injuries possible in a bike accident. I encourage you to show your child the “Melon Smasher” video demonstration posted on YouTube.
Practice what you preach
We were surprised to hear the suggestion from focus group participants that they would be more likely to wear a helmet if their parents wore them. Upon further examination through Helmet’s research, it was determined that students are five times more likely to wear their helmet if they see a parent wearing one.
In addition, I would add this final suggestion: Don’t let your guard down! Remember that intuition you had to take safety precautions with your child when they were just trying their first wheels? It’s easy to become lackadaisical on the issue, particularly when you’re met with resistance. Enforce the rule, “No helmet, no wheels.” Your child’s safety is non-negotiable.
¹According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
