Lids on Kids

Spring has arrived and with it the opportunity to take outdoor play equipment out of winter storage.

It won’t be long before neighborhoods are overflowing with children playing. Laughter and joy will fill the air like the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of a field of wild flowers. Driveways and streets will fill with children on bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller skates. The new found freedom which follows a long winter inside brings with it an explosion of energy, beckoning children outside to run and play. From houses up and down the neighborhoods, children will gather and relish the sacred time outside until sundown ushers them inside. 

The thrill of movement and speed is not lost on children who love to ride their bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller skates. The excitement found maneuvering around obstacles and racing carefree down the street is reflected on the contagious smiles and in the echoing laughter of children throughout Marlborough. 

With so many children, young and old alike, taking to bike riding, it is imperative that education about helmet safety be readily available and taken to heart. Because the skull is the only bone in your entire body which cannot be bruised or cracked without serious, life threatening consequences, it is fair to say that helmets are the most important piece of safety equipment parents can provide for their children. Parents, as proper role models, must be diligent about wearing helmets as well. It is a habit which reduces the risk of injury to the head and brain by nearly 90 percent. Unfortunately, a poll conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that 25 percent of children between the ages of 4 and 17 do not wear a helmet.

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Administration, 350,000 children are admitted to the hospital each year as a result of a bike injury. Of these children, almost half suffer head injuries and as many of 200 will die. As a whole, three quarters of the bicycle related deaths are the result of head trauma. The need for helmets is indisputable. The (BHSA) statistics speak for themselves and the possibly fatal consequences of helmet wearing neglect. 

 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that “if all children between the ages of 4 and 15 wore helmets, up to 45,000 head injuries and up to 55,000 face and scalp injuries would be prevented each year.” Helmets should not be optional.

Please go to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute website for information on purchasing a bicycle helmet for your child. There are specific size guidelines as well as brand recommendations. 

Parent Tip: Target has fun helmets to entice even the most resistant helmet wearer to buckle-up (see pictures) with a smile!