Grim statistics report that children are injured in bicycle accidents every two minutes.
Sadly, kids die in many of these crashes.
A properly fitted helmet likely could have saved two-thirds of all the children killed in bike accidents, experts say.
Wearing a helmet, one that fits correctly, reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 85 percent.
“No helmet, no wheels,” said Kristen Thorstenson, a spokeswoman for SafeKids Snohomish County and the Marysville Fire District.
Basically, if it has wheels — like a bicycle, tricycle, scooter or skateboard — children should wear helmets when they ride it, she said.
The same rule applies to little ones riding in bicycle trailers and in bike seats. Adults can help set a good example and protect themselves by always wearing a helmet, too, Thornstenson said.
It’s not enough that kids wear helmets, they need to be properly fitted, she said.
Do a simple “eyes, ears and mouth” test.
Eyes: The child should be able to look up and see the rim of the helmet. It should be about two finger widths above the eyebrows.
Ears: Straps should form a “V” under the ears when buckled. The strap should be snug and comfortable.
Mouth: Ask the child to open and close his or her mouth. The child should feel the helmet hug his or her head. If they don’t, tighten the straps.
“A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position and shouldn’t rock forward and backward or side to side,” Thorstenson said. “The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.”
Get a helmet for your child
Many Snohomish County fire departments offer helmets for $10 or a donation. Firefighters are happy to help custom fit the helmet with each purchase. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.snosafekids.org"www.snosafekids.org or call 425-304-6157.
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