Helmet Safety

Wearing a Helmet Can Save Lives!

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, each year, more than 500,000 people in the US are treated in emergency departments, and more than 700 people die as a result of bicycle-related injuries. Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important determinant of bicycle-related death and permanent disability.  Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits for bicycling injuries. 

The single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes is a helmet.  Helmet use reduces the risk of bicycle-related death and injury and the severity of head injury when a crash occurs.   Unfortunately, national estimates report that bicycle helmet use among child bicyclists ranges only from 15 to 25 percent.  By wearing a helmet, more than 85 percent of all head injuries could be prevented. It is our intention to help parents and children learn that the simple act of wearing a helmet can save lives.
Oregon Helmet Law:
Effective January 1, 2004, Oregon law require youth 15 years of age and younger to wear safety helmets when riding on skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates in public places. Public places include but are not limited to streetes, sidewalks, parking lots, and skate parks. Failure to wear protective headgear is a traffic violation, which carriers a fine of $25 for each offense.

Doernbecher Children’s Safety Center has trained staff available to assist with fitting your child’s helmet properly.  Low-cost helmets are also available at the Safety Center.

Think First Oregon - Oregon Helmet Laws

Click here for a helmet fitting guide in English and here in Spanish.

View Children's bike safety tips and cartoon.

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