Dr. Free N. Hess is a board-certified pediatrician and child safety expert. She founded the website PediMom to spread the word about child safety, and this picture clearly illustrates the importance of the work she does:
This is a picture of what a helmet looks like after an accident.
Yes, the helmet is damaged (that depends on the force and angle of impact, according to Dr. Hess), but can you imagine what would have happened without the helmet?
Dr. Hess wrote…
“Helmets in this situation can make the difference between a simple concussion and severe neurological injury and even death.”
She also noted a poll conducted by The University of Michigan that showed almost 20% of parents allow their kids to ride their bikes without a helmet. The numbers get even higher for skateboarding and riding scooters.
Science Daily, which reported on the poll, also noted that older children were more likely to ride without helmets, even though they are more likely to ride in the street. Children should also watch out for people getting into and out of cars, as many children are injured by car doors opening unexpectedly.
Helmets are a simple, inexpensive way to keep your children safe. Buy a helmet and follow the instructions to ensure it fits properly. Make sure your children use it every time.
And maybe I’ll buy my dad a helmet too.
