Did you know that over 500,000 people are seen in emergency rooms each year for bike related injuries? An additional 100,000 people visit ER’s for skating injuries and this number is likely to increase as inline skating grows in popularity. Over 600 people die each year in bike related injuries and half of these are children. Over 200,000 people suffer brain injuries each year, many of them resulting in permanent injuries.

The use of an approved helmet can reduce death and brain injury by 85%. NJ was the first state to pass a helmet law in 1992 requiring children 14 and under to wear a helmet when biking. In 1998 this law was expanded to include requiring helmets when roller skating, inline skating or skate boarding. Since passing the law, bike related injuries have decreased by 60% for those 14 and under. Unfortunately, the death rates for those 14 and over is unchanged as many adults are choosing not to wear a helmet.

The following guidelines will help to keep your family safe while biking, skating or skateboarding.

1. Helmets. Wearing an approved properly fitting helmet is the single most important thing you can do to prevent death and disability.This includes people of all ages, especially parents who need to model appropriate safe behaviors to their children.

2. Protective gear. Wear wrist guards, kneepads, and elbow pads when skating.

3. Right side. Ride on the right side of the road going with the traffic. Children under 9 should not ride on a road unless with an adult.

4. Shoes - Wear only close-toed shoes.

5. Bright clothing - Wear bright clothing and no loose clothing.

6. Avoid night riding - No riding night. Dusk is especially dangerous.

7. Well maintained bike - Keep your bike in good working order with reflectors. Ride the right size bike for you.

8. Traffic signs – Obey all traffic signs, one way streets, stop signs, etc. Cross only at designated intersections and yield to cars and pedestrians.

9. Single file – Ride single file along the road.