Submitted by Pat G., Trauma Outreach and Prevention Coordinator, UPMC Hamot
Use your left hand to signal for turns and stops
For a right turn, extend your arm out and up.
When coming to a stop, extend your arm out and down.
Extend your arm straight out to signal a left turn.
Bicycle Helmets are the Law!
A bicycle helmet is the perfect place to have your medical ID tag.
Your helmet will keep your head cooler in the sun and warmer in cool weather.
A bright colored helmet makes it easier for drivers to see you!
Why should you wear a helmet?
It’s the law! If you are under age 12, you must wear an approved helmet when riding your bicycle, tricycle or any other cycle with pedals.
This is an important law that was made to keep you safe. Be sure to share this information with your parents.
Wear the helmet flat on your head, not tilted back at an angle!
Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision.
Make sure the chinstrap fits securely and that the buckle stays fastened.
Can wearing a helmet make a difference?
It makes a difference when you consider that bikers get hit in the head in three out of every four bike accidents!
You can recover from “road burns” or even broken bones causes by a bad fall, but your head may bleed inside and you can’t see it! Traumatic brain injury is the most frequent cause of disability and death among children in the United States. More than one million children sustain brain injuries each year and approximately 165,000 require hospitalization.
It is a fact that professional riders must wear helmets – so be like the pros and wear one yourself!
A message to parents:
Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and can reduce the risk of brain injury by almost 90%. These striking statistics played an important factor in the Legislature’s decision to pass a bicycle helmet law.
Source: This information made available compliments of State Senator Jane M. Earll, 49th District.
