Child Bike Safety: Helmets Required in Georgia

When you bring a life into this world, you want nothing more than to protect your child from life's dangers. When your child wants to ride a bike in front of your house, it may sound harmless. However, injuries can occur even in your own front yard. Make sure your child rides with a helmet.

Benefits of Wearing a Bicycle Helmet

It is required that children under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets in Georgia when they ride their bicycles. This law was put in place to help protect children and save lives. According to the NHTSA, 178 children died in bicycle accidents nationwide in 2000 as compared to only 74 children aged 14 and younger killed in bicycle crashes in 2009.

These statistics show that child fatalities have decreased, which could be contributed to the new bicycle helmet laws and safety standards. Not only does a helmet protect your child's face and prevent facial lacerations, but also it can prevent head injuries in the event of a fall or collision.

Helmets are in fact the single most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries in the case of a bicycle accident in Georgia. Statistics show that bicycle helmets can save lives. They have been known to be about 85% effective in preventing long-lasting head injuries.

What do I look for when purchasing a bicycle helmet?

Make sure your child has a bicycle helmet that complies with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). There will be a CPSC or ANSI sticker or label on the helmet to identify its compliance.

This indicates that it has been tested for protection, durability, and impact standards. The state of Georgia acknowledges Snell-approved helmets as well. The Snell Memorial Foundation has been recognized in the industry for having high impact standards, and its approved helmets have an even higher level of protection.

In Georgia, the law states that anyone who operates a bicycle under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet. When purchasing a bicycle helmet for your child, make sure it fits properly on your child's head and fastens easily and correctly. For young children under the age of five, there should be a larger head coverage area. All helmets that you purchase should meet or exceed impact standards set by ANSI or Snell.

Some bicycle crashes in Atlanta may involve cuts, bruises, or broken bones, whereas other severe accidents may lead to serious head injuries and traumatic brain injury. Children need to always wear helmets, and it is recommended that adults wear them too. Helmets can play a substantial part in preventing head and brain injuries in both children and adults.

If your child was hit by a negligent driver in an Atlanta car and bicycle accident and sustained facial, head, brain, scalp, or even back and neck injuries, then contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney.