MoT all for cycle helmets

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 3

MoT all for cycle helmets

Now that children are cycling off t o school again at the start of another year, the Ministry o f Transport is strongly urging parents to ensure child cyclists are protected by safety helmets. A survey of Ohakune Primary School showed that of the 20-30 children cycling to school each day, only one or two wear regulation safety helmets. Ohakune's Traffic Officer Ian Harrison said the Ministry have many reasons to support children and adults wearing helmets while riding bicycles: • A helmet prevents head and brain injuries. • Last year 22 people in the Wanganui region died from injuries suffered while cycling. • Last year 1000 people suffered head injuries and even brain damage, from biking accidents. (80% of cyclists reported to be seriously injured have some form of head injury). • 60% of the fatalities are children under 14. Most accidents occur near home and on a bicycle even a simple fall from a bicycle at low speeds can cause bad injuries, according to Mr Harrison. Some injuries can b e prevented easily he said, by wearing closed shoes instead of jandals to prevent toes getting stubbed or being caught in spokes. When looking for a helmet, parents should ensure that it is a Standards approved helmet that fits firmly and comfortably when the chin strap i s securely fastened. They

should also ensure that the weight of the helmet does not put too much pressure on the neck and spine. The helmet should have ventilation for comfort. Finally, to be safe is to be seen - the MoT recommend white or yellow safety helmets which are colours easily seen from a distance and especially visible in wet weather. Mi Harrison said the cost of a Standards approved helmet is between $80 and $95, "but that cost is nothing compared with the cost to a family of a child's life being lost or a child suffering serious injury." Bulk buying deals are available through Pacific Helmets in Wanganui.