Over 70% of children aged between 5 and 14 years ride bicycles. This activity, although it is a popular means of transportation and a sport recommended, is not without risks.
In Spain, according to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) , approximately 20% of deaths in road accidents between 10 and 14 years were bicycle users. The head injuries were the leading cause of death.
The bike helmet can prevent or reduce the risk of serious head injury, even when the cause of the accident is a collision with a car. The helmet's protective capability is based on some energy absorbing and distributing the peak energy of the blow over a larger area, and increase the transfer time.
Through studies performed, it is estimated that the proper use of bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head and brain injury by 63-88%, and the risk of death is 26% lower. Despite this, the vast majority of bicycle users, including children, do not use the helmet, or used inappropriately.
As recognized by the Law 43/1999 of 25 November 1999 on the adaptation of the rules of the road for cycling ( BOE 283 of November 26, 1999 ), "The drivers and, where appropriate, Bicycle occupants will be required to use a helmet on intercity roads under the conditions established by regulation. "This regulation may be waived only in very long ascending ramps, where extreme heat or if the rider certifies medical reasons.
For urban roads, although not mandatory helmet use, from organizations such as the DGT is recommended to use in any kind of way.
Safety Committee Recommendations and prevention of childhood injuries
- All children and adolescents should wear a helmet every time moving bicycle.
- Parents and other adults must wear a helmet whenever they use the bike.
- Parents should set an example in promoting safe behavior for their children, and explain why you need to protect your head.
- The helmet should be worn properly. For this you must:
.
Being in perfect condition: You must replace the helmet if you have had a stroke, if it is damaged or has been outgrown. We also recommend that, although apparently in perfect condition, is changed at least every five years or when the manufacturer recommends.
Having the right size: Helmets come in various sizes depending on the manufacturer. The right size should match the size of head circumference. Helmets usually bring extra pillows or an adjustment ring to fit well on any head.
Be secure: It should fit comfortably and securely on top of the head, covering the top of the forehead (one or two fingers above the eyebrows). Likewise the side straps and chin, as the buckle must be properly adjusted so that it is snug and comfortable. The helmet should not move from side to side or front to back.
In the case of small children riding as passengers:
Addition to using a properly fitted helmet should ride in an extra seat approved.
According to the Rules of the road , the driver of the bike must be of age and the passenger does not have more than seven years, and must travel in an approved seat. The bicycle trailers that appear to be safer to transport children are still not covered by Spanish regulations.
For safe transport of children on the bike, they should at least be over 1 year old, the age at which possess sufficient muscle strength to control the mobility of the head in the event of having to brake suddenly, even with the additional weight of the helmet.
Parents and children should know all the essentials about the safe use of the bicycle.
Wearing a helmet is only one aspect of bicycle safety. Both parents and children should know and take other safety measures such as:
- use appropriate clothing,
- wear a red rear reflector on the bike,
- wear reflective clothing at night and a front white light and rear red and
- be familiar with the rules of the road on public roads.
The role of the pediatrician
There is evidence of the effectiveness of health advice on prevention of injuries and accidents in children. General pediatricians should:
- Encourage parents to encourage helmet use when their children begin to ride a tricycle or wheeled toy vehicle or.
- Inform parents and children about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, and the danger in the event of non-use. This information is especially important for teenagers, since they are the most resistant to wear.
- Encourage parents and other adults with the helmet too, to set an example.
- Participate in community-wide campaigns to promote bicycle helmet use in childhood and adolescence.
The bicycle helmet is one of the few passive safety measures with cyclists (both children and adults) in their power to minimize the damage in a fall.
If helmet use in adulthood is important, its placement in children and adolescents is essential. These ages are key to instill the importance of cycling always protected and to protect the head of those least likely to see the danger.
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Use of bicycle helmets in childhood and adolescence
