It was a “biking to school safety” event at Eagle Ridge Elementary in Coral Springs. Local officers were on hand to ensure that students knew the proper protocol for wearing helmets and the importance of having one on as well. These little ones were so interested in understanding the rules of the road and how to help others stay in the know as well. Wearing a helmet is the single most effective safety device available to 
reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes according to Safe Kids Worldwide who threw the event and was also in attendance in conjunction with the local police department. Together the two entities held a raffle for one lucky student to take home a brand new bike the same day. In addition to wearing a helmet Bike Safety Tips were given out so these kids were also made aware that finding the right helmet is just as essential.
The position the helmet sits on your head matters. How the helmet fits over your ears also matters. A quick tip once a little one has a helmet on is to have them open their mouth as wide as they can to make sure they feel it hug their little head. If it is not nice and snug then the rule of thumb is to use the straps at this time to tighten it up to make sure it stays in place. Did you know that more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent, yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually put on a helmet while biking according to SKW. I can’t express to you enough that being a part of events like this and making a difference are why I do what I do and why I love being Mrs. South Florida International. It seems I learn something at every event I attend and the impact that has on the people I get to meet and the little ones listening to the intended “message of the day” makes my job extremely rewarding.
