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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Because of its rural nature,
with few urban centers, the State of North Dakota is fortunate that
relatively few children are killed or permanently injured as a result
of bicycle crash-related injuries. However, data indicate that nearly
60 percent of all childhood bicycle-related deaths occur on minor roads,
within one mile of the bicyclist's home. Children riding a bicycle without
a helmet are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than
those wearing a helmet. In the course of their work, North Dakota Trial
Lawyers Association members noted that many severe bicycle crash injuries,
especially brain injuries, were preventable if bicycle helmets had been
worn.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To help reduce the incidence
of preventable head injuries among children due to bicycle crashes,
the North Dakota Trial Lawyers Association developed the Bike Helmet
Distribution Program in 1998. Primary objectives of the program were
to:
- Provide donated bicycle
helmets to toddlers, and children ages 5 through 14, the audience
determined to be most at risk
- Educate helmet recipients
and their parents about proper bicycle helmet use and the importance
of wearing helmets on every ride
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
To provide
greater visibility, the North Dakota Trial Lawyers Association Bike
Helmet Distribution Program was linked to the national Keeping Our
Families Safe campaign of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America
(ATLA), a program to educate the American public on the importance of
prevention as a means to avoid life-altering injuries. To encourage
young bike riders to wear bicycle helmets, North Dakota Trial Lawyer
Association members donated funds to purchase brightly colored helmets
featuring fun animals, flower and star designs. Helmets meeting national
safety standards were obtained at reduced prices and provided to law
enforcement agencies in 10 cities throughout the state. The bike helmets
were available in three different sizes to accommodate toddlers, children
ages 5 to 8 and youth ages 9 to 14. Local police departments distributed
the helmets through bicycle rodeos, individual contact with bicyclists,
and community-wide social events. Recipients and parents also received
instructions on proper bike helmet use at the time of fitting, from
bicycle safety professionals.
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