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Tustin, CA Police Department
Tuesday December 10th, 2013 :: 08:28 a.m. PST

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Bicycle Collisions: Facts, Figures, and Citations (Part 2 of 3)

Almost a third of those 350,000 injured each year sustain brain trauma. This is primarily due to the rider not wearing a helmet. Here are some of the top reasons kids say they don’t wear a helmet:

Myth: Helmets aren’t cool.
Fact: Helmets are designed to help prevent injuries to your skull and your brain. A permanent brain injury or death is definitely not cool!

Myth: Helmets aren’t comfortable.
Fact: Helmets today are lightweight and well ventilated. They’re actually a lot more comfortable than they have ever been.

Myth: I have never worn a helmet and nothing has happened to me so far.
Fact: Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time. Even professional bicycle racers get in serious collisions and therefore wear helmets to protect themselves. Also studies have shown that three out of four bike crashes results in some sort of head injury.

Myth: I just don’t want everybody to see me wearing a helmet.
Fact: That’s just the point! Helmets make it easier for motorist, pedestrians, and others to see you. If everyone can see you, they won’t run into you.

Myth: I’ll be called “helmet head.”
Fact: Being a “helmet head” is only temporary versus a non-helmet head, which is definitely ugly and quite often permanent – as in “dead.” Wearing a bike helmet is a must if you value your life. That's why in many states, wearing a helmet is the law.
California law states: All persons under 18 years of age must wear a helmet when riding anything on wheels including. Bicycle, skateboards, and rollerblades….per California Vehicle Code, CVC 21212 (a)

Prices for helmets range from about $20 to $150. Even the best, most expensive helmet won't protect you if it doesn't fit. Any bike store can help you adjust your helmet so it fits.

A helmet should:
• Sit level and firmly, but comfortably, on your head and not be tilted forward, backward, or sideways
• Have strong, wide straps that form a "Y" just under the ear and fasten snugly under the chin — when you open your mouth, the helmet should pull down a bit
• Be tight enough (with straps fastened) that sudden pulling or twisting does not cause the helmet to move around on your head
• Always be fastened while you are riding
• Never be worn over a bandana, baseball cap, or anything else that could cause it to shift in a crash

After taking a serious hit, helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock. If you ever have a fall and hit any surface hard with the helmet, immediately replace the helmet.

Additional facts and safety tips to follow in Part 3, December 17th...≓

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Tustin, CA Police Department
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780

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Non-emergencies: 714-573-3200

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