(5/11/12) – Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal reminds families to take caution during Bike and Wheeled Sports Safety Month (May) as well as year-round. Studies show in children ages five to fourteen, 52% do not have a helmet present, 41% use a helmet, and 7% have a helmet present but it is unused. Properly fit helmets should be owned and worn by a child during wheeled sports to assist in preventing injury.

Having your child wear a helmet every time they ride is essential. Today, helmets cost less and are more comfortable. When worn, bicycle helmets cut the risk of severe brain damage by up to 88%.

It is also important that children wear the proper helmet for each wheeled sport. When biking, roller skating, inline skating, or riding a scooter, a bike helmet should be worn. For skateboarding and longboarding, a skateboarding helmet is ideal.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to remember a helmet for your child or to have them wear one. However, steps like these can ensure a helmet is worn every time to significantly increase your child’s safety:
• Make it a habit from the first time your child rides a tricycle, bike, or roller skates. Be sure he or she wears a helmet every time they ride.
• Enforce the simple rule: "No helmet, No wheels."
• Explain that riding on wheels can be fun but also dangerous and wearing a helmet can keep children from badly hurting their head.
• Let your child choose the helmet so it is more likely to get worn.
• Wear one yourself. Remember: a child is more likely to wear a helmet when you do, too.

For more information about child safety, call Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal at (843) 777-5021 to speak to an Injury Prevention Specialist.