School Helmet Policies Fostering Student Success by Preventing Brain Injury
Policy Makes A Difference Percent Helmet Use Before Intervention After Intervention Oroville, Butte County, CA Observations conducted Feb/May 1999 and Nov/May 2001
Why The Need For Helmets? Even moderate brain injury Can result in problems with comprehension memory speed of thinking behavior
Developmental Foundation Children should receive consistent messages at home, in school, and from the community.
Community Norm Change Helmet policies are one component of a comprehensive effort to prevent injury, disability and death…think what we have done about drunk driving or second hand smoke.
Components of a School Helmet Policy Policy Statement adopted by governing board Letter to Parents Bicycle Safety Agreement
What Can Schools Do to Increase Bicycle Safety? Encourage Increased Helmet Use Implement Bicycle Safety Education Implement Broader Traffic Education
What Can Schools Do to Increase Bicycle Safety? (cont’d) Create a Bike-friendly School Environment –Security –Traffic patterns –Safe Routes to School Support well-maintained bicycles and helmets –Education –Bike Rodeos
Bicycle Helmet Standards Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) March 10, 1999 Minimum standards for safety –impact –strap
Consumer’s Role Look for stickers inside helmet Learn to fit helmet correctly Wear helmet correctly Inspect helmet for damage on a regular basis Bike safely
Scooters, Skates and Skateboards Popularity of extreme sports Wearing the “gear” is becoming cool Expansion of bicycle helmet law effective January 1, 2003 Motorized vs. non-motorized scooters
Scooters, Skates and Skateboards (cont’d) Until CPSC establishes a standard, engineering and medical experts recommend that a helmet meeting the ASTM F1492 standard for "extreme" sports be worn It does not have to “look” like a bicycle helmet
Appendices California Bicycle Helmet Law Mild Head Trauma Fact Sheet California School Board Association Sample Policy Sample Letter To Parents Introducing Policy
Appendices Bicycle Safety Agreement Tips For Parents About Bicycle Helmets Safe Routes to School Resources