
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, May 14, 1990                   TAG: 9005130003
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TODDLERS ON BICYCLES NEED HYELMET

My husband just purchased a bicycle seat for our toddler. However, she does not have a helmet, and my husband insists she doesn't really need one. I say he's wrong, but have no statistics to prove that I'm right. - G.P., Roanoke

A: You win. Tell your husband that each year 1,200 bicyclists die and over 500,000 bicycle-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms. The most serious injuries involve the head, and head injuries are the most common cause of death among bicyclists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington, D.C.

Studies have proved that use of bicycle helmets can significantly reduce head injuries.

To help prevent an injury from a bicycle accident, the administration offers the following tips:

Equip your child with an approved bike helmet, one that has a sticker certifying the helmet meets standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation and/or the American National Standards Institute.

If he's old enough, let your child help pick out the helmet because it must be worn every time he rides. If you're a rider, buy one for yourself, too, and set a good example by wearing it.

Make sure your child's bike is the correct size, safely maintained, and has reflectors. Children under age 9 should not ride their bikes in the street. They are not able to identify and adjust to the many dangerous traffic situations, the NHSTA advises.

Teach your child to always stop and look left-right-left before entering a road.

Bicyclists riding on streets must obey traffic laws that apply to motor vehicle operators. Instruct your child on the rules of the road. Consider enrolling your child in a bike safety education program if one is available in your community.

Never allow your child to ride at night or with audio headphones on.

by CNB