It's contagious!
From today's Irish Independent:
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1180422&issue_id=10862
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A LAW enforcing cyclists to wear safety helmets would save lives, especially
childrens, the National Safety Council said yesterday.
Up to 96pc of child cyclists killed or injured were not wearing helmets. The
council called for helmets to be made mandatory.
More than 2,000 cyclists were killed or injured between 1998 and 2002.
Seventeen deaths were children under 15 and 329 children were injured.
"Most parents and children don't realise just how fragile the brain is and
that a fall from as little as two feet can cause a skull fracture. That's
why it's important to always wear a safety helmet when cycling," said
council chairman, Eddie Shaw.
The state of Victoria in Australia introduced a bike helmet law in 1990
which had been credited with cutting the number of cyclists killed or
admitted to hospital after sustaining a head injury by 48pc.
"Given such success rates abroad the NSC feels it is worth giving serious
consideration to the introduction of a safety helmet law, particularly for
children, in Ireland," Mr Shaw said.
Dr Sean Walsh, consultant in A&E at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in
Crumlin, said he came upon up to 70 admissions a year for cycle related
injuries.
Niall Doyle of the Irish Insurance Federation said motorised road users also
had a part to play in ensuring the safety of cyclists on the roads.
The NSC yesterday advised cyclists selecting a safety helmet that it was not
a fashion statement but an essential, life-saving piece of equipment.
Cyclists were advised to look for approved standard marks which included
Snell - USA Standard; ANSI Z 904 - USA Standard; BS 6863 - British Standard
and AS 2063 - Australian Standard.
The council, launching a booklet, Cycle Safety, pointed out it was the law
to have a bell on one's bike and to have working lights after dark.
Treacy Hogan