Get Some Head Insurance: Helmets are required for children age 16 and younger riding a bicycle in Massachusetts. But helmets are not just for kids “ it’s a good idea for everyone to wear a helmet every time they ride a bike. According to Safe Kids USA and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important factor in bicycle-related death and permanent disability. Head injuries account for more than 60% of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits for bicycling injuries. So if you crash, the chances are pretty high that you will get a head injury. If you do hit your head, up to 85% of head injuries can be prevented through proper helmet use. For more information about how to fit a helmet properly, click here.
- Helmets are required for children age 16 and younger
Any person 16 years of age or younger operating a bicycle or being carried as a passenger on a bicycle on a public way, bicycle path or on any other public right-of-way shall wear a helmet. Said helmet shall fit the person’s head, shall be secured to the person’s head by straps while the bicycle is being operated, and shall meet the standards for helmets established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These requirements shall not apply to a passenger if the passenger is in an enclosed trailer or other device which adequately holds the passenger in place and protects the passenger’s head from impact in an accident. MGL chapter 85, section 11B(2)(iii) http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/85-11b.htm
Comments are closed.