We lived in a cul de sac so there was an element of protection from traffic - that's not to say that we didn't venture out on the roads from time to time. We certainly did. We knew not to talk to strangers, rode with traffic, and never ventured out alone. Still... no helmets.
Several years ago, I entered the sport of triathlon. One of the stead fast rules is: athletes must wear a CPSC approved helmet and the chin strap must be fastened any time they are on their bikes. This means that riding to and from the car... helmet. If the referee sees you without and you are on your bike, immediate disqualification. They are that serious. I get it. I really got it after my first big crash. I also learned not to go around a corner with my inside pedal down. The pedal hit the ground and through the air I went. I had road rash and cuts on both knees, a shoulder (which was also separated), a hip, and my cheek. My helmet cracked. That could have been my head.
Lesser falls without head protection have been known to cause severe damage - biking, skiing, snowmobiling, roller blading - all carry a certain amount of risk whether you go 20 miles per hour or 2. Click here to read the People magazine article on Natashia Richardson.
This past weekend I crashed again. After 7 or 8 years, I guess I was due. This time, my cheek was spared - my sunglasses did get scratched though, and my helmet has divots and dimples from the impact.
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| This Garmin has seen better days |
When my daughter rides her scooter she always wears her helmet. Often knee pads too, as she is prone to falling like her mother. When she learns to ride a two wheeler, she will also always wear a helmet. I can't protect her from lousy or distracted drivers (big fear) and I can't stop her from falling, but I can certainly make sure she learns the value of protective gear.
