Keep Your Hat On, Buddy

Gordon Clay here. The brain controls and coordinates all body functions.. It is protected primarily by the skull. As a barrier the skull works very well, but the brain also needs cushioning from inside the skull. Otherwise, even the slightest impact to the head could cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, resulting in serious damage. Three layers of protective coverings provide that cushioning. However, damage to any of these layers could result in a 911 call. Cal-Ore gets 10 to 15 of these calls every year from skating or bicycle related incidents which require a trip to the ER in Crescent City or Gold Beach.

Oregon's helmet law requires any bicyclist under 16 to wear an approved bicycle helmet. If your child is under 12, you will be sited. If your child is under 16, you or they may be sited.

Teach your children the importance of wearing a helmet. It won't do much good if the strap isn't buckeled or the helmet doesn't fit well.

Don't you think it would be better to get a call from the police that your child was riding without a helmet and pay a $25 fine than to get a call from the police that your child has been taken to the ER, or worse yet, the morgue.

And parents. While you might have a thick skull, it doesn't mean your brain is any less vulnerable. Be a good roll-model and wear a helmet. Even very careful riders can fall or get hit by a motorist. And even a simple fall can injure your head. The brain is very fragile and often doesn't heal like broken bones. The damage can be for life. Helmets provide proven protection. So, use your head. Oops. I take that back. Use a helmet.