As a doctor in a pediatric emergency division, one would suppose that my ardour for bicycle helmet security stems from treating the variety of youngsters I see sustaining critical or life-threatening head accidents within the ER. Yes, in fact, that’s actually one cause why I am fond of it. But my drive for enacting bicycle helmet laws is far more private than that. I wouldn’t be right here, scripting this weblog publish, if I wasn’t carrying a bicycle helmet three years in the past.
On October 16, 2010 whereas on a bicycle journey, I sustained life-threatening accidents after I was struck by a car that did not yield whereas making a left flip. I used to be driving on the right facet of the highway, and I used to be carrying a helmet, however I nonetheless suffered a number of orthopedic accidents in addition to a extreme traumatic mind damage. I used to be not anticipated to outlive the primary night time. I spent a complete of six weeks within the intensive care unit. Upon awakening from my coma, I used to be not capable of transfer my proper arm and suffered expressive aphasia, a situation the place I used to be unable to think about and formulate the phrases I used to be attempting to speak. Despite all predictions from the medical workforce, after 4 months of intensive rehabilitation and with nice assist from my household, buddies and colleagues, I used to be capable of return to work as a pediatric resident solely six months after my accident. I even accomplished my pediatric residency this previous winter, which was solely six months after I had initially deliberate. I’m very blessed and lucky to really feel utterly recovered and doing in addition to I’m right now.
I can’t stress sufficient how totally different my final result would have been with out a helmet. I would like dad and mom to grasp the significance of helmets for his or her youngsters. As a pediatrician, I see dad and mom questioning whether or not they need to make their youngsters put on a helmet. They didn’t put on one as a toddler, and so they doubt that their little one might have an accident extreme sufficient to trigger a major head damage. I perceive that line of considering, however we all know extra now than we did again then. We have extra statistics. Non-helmeted riders are 14 instances extra more likely to be concerned in a deadly crash than helmeted riders. Bicycle helmets cut back the chance of head damage by 85 p.c and the chance of mind damage by as a lot as 88 p.c.
I inform my dad and mom and sufferers that the priority isn’t associated to their biking expertise (although this undoubtedly is usually a downside in youngsters); the priority is folks round them that might not be paying consideration. I used to be an grownup, obeying the legislation, being cautious and nonetheless had a extreme accident. A baby is probably going not being as cautious and is actually much less seen.
So what can dad and mom do? First of all, put on a helmet your self. Parents who mannequin carrying helmets improve the chance of their youngsters carrying helmets. Second, buy a helmet that correctly matches your little one’s head. They usually price round $10. The beneath picture can assist you identify in case your little one’s helmet matches appropriately.
(picture supplied by Ohio AAP “Put a Lid on it”)
Third, if you wish to take it a step additional, discuss to your legislative consultant about passing a bicycle helmet legislation. It’s laws that I really feel very strongly about and it might use your assist. One examine confirmed that inside 5 years of passage of a state obligatory bicycle helmet legislation for youngsters ages 13 and below, bicycle-related fatalities decreased by 60 p.c. While dad and mom are far and away law-abiding residents and wish nothing however the very best for his or her youngsters, I feel having a legislation in place would assist shine a light-weight on the need for helmets and would assist promote compliance.
While final week was Ohio Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Week, it’s a subject that ought to be top-of-mind for each mum or dad, each time your little one hops on a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet saved my life and statistics present that common use might save between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head accidents, and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face accidents yearly.
I want to be part of that effort and I hope you’ll be part of me.