Bicycle Helmet Distribution
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 100 children under the age of 15 were killed in a bike-related accident in 2006. This makes bike accidents one of the most frequent causes of injury-related death in young children. It is estimated that regular bicycle helmet use by children ages 4 to 15 would prevent 39,000 to 45,000 head injuries, and 18,000 to 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually. Bicycle helmets are 85%-88% effective in protecting bicyclists from head and brain injuries in serious accidents. Therefore, the best way to protect children from head injuries is to make sure they wear a helmet every time they ride a bike.
Here at the University of Virginia Health System, we understand how important helmet and bike safety education is for children. The University of Virginia Health System's Safety and Wellness program has partnered with the four Albemarle County Elementary Schools to provide free helmets for third grade students at Red Hill Elementary, Scottsville Elementary, Stony Point Elementary, and Woodbrook Elementary. Through this year's program, over 150 students received free bike helmets, approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To kick off the program, members of the UVA Health System Community Relations Safety and Wellness program visited third-grade classes to measure each child for a new helmet. We delivered the new helmets and taught the children about bike safety. We discussed why wearing a helmet is important, how to wear the helmet properly, and other sports safety tips. Additionally, each student received take-home information for their parents about the importance of always wearing a helmet.
