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Medical Author:

Thomas V Robb, DO

Coauthor:

Maurizio A Miglietta, DO

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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As with many other aspects of injury prevention, education is the key to long-term helmet use.

• Education should start at home and include the educational system. Parents should be role models and wear helmets. Parents should encourage their children's friends to wear helmets. Reward your children for wearing helmets.
• Doctors and community groups can help instill positive behaviors.
• In the case of motorcycles, most states have adopted laws requiring helmets for riders younger than 14 years of age, and many states have expanded the law to include riders of all ages.
  • No state requires helmets for bicycle riders of all ages, although many states require them for children.
  • Several cities also require bicycle helmets for all riders.
• As research into rider safety continues, efforts will continue to focus on educating people as to the benefits of helmet use.
• Young people are particularly influenced by early intervention and education and should reap the reward of fewer severe injuries. Parents should explain the importance of a helmet and then insist on their use.

For a list of helmet laws and age requirements, the Governors Highway Safety Association has an current list as of April 2012. http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/helmet_laws.html

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