Point Pleasant Bicycle Safety Day Stresses Safety Through Helmet Use
Last month, the Point Pleasant community in Ocean County, New Jersey marked Bicycle Safety Day at Community Park. The event was conducted by the local police department, and funded by a grant from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
The event was held partly in memory of 14-year-old Katy Ventura, who died in a bicycle accident on the 3rd of August.
The Brian Injury Association of New Jersey participated in the event, offering new helmets to those who needed them. A representative of the Association was on hand to demonstrate the proper way to wear a helmet. Brain injuries are some of the more frequent injuries that bicyclists suffer, and helmets can help prevent these to a large degree.
According to police chief Larry Williams, helmet usage is poor in children between 15 and 16 years of age. Chief Williams stressed the need for parents to be involved in making sure that their children are wearing helmets when they leave home. Under New Jersey laws, bicyclists below the age of 17 must wear a helmet.
Besides Bicycle Safety Day, Point Pleasant police department also conducted a helmet crackdown to enforce helmet laws. By the end of the month, at least 200 warnings had been issued to bicyclists below 16, who failed to wear a helmet.
As a New Jersey bicycle accident lawyer, I find such educational and promotional events very encouraging. As a resident of the state, I realize that fewer funds are available for promoting awareness about bicycle safety and preventing serious accidents involving bicycles, so it is very satisfying to see communities participate in such education drives.
