As March goes out like a lamb and you hit the bike trails with your nieces and nephews, know the risks and what to do to play it safe!

Here are some stats you can use to stop their  whining and let them know how important that helmet really is! March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and every year 1.4 million people sustain a brain injury. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined as a blow to the head that disrupts brain function; it can result in short or long term problems and disabilities.

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians:

About 540,000 cyclist are treated in emergency departments with almost 500 deaths a year
50% of those deaths are in kids
75% of those are due to head injuries
Bicycle helmets are nearly 90% effective at preventing brain injury when worn correctly

If you are buying your niece or nephew a new helmet, make sure it has the sticker inside that tells you it meets safety standards developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It should sit on their heads head snug enough in a level position - not rocking or loose in anyway. The straps should also fit snug.  If you are riding on the roads make sure you obey the traffic laws and ride behind your nieces and nephews so you can watch them at all times. Bike trails away from traffic are your best bet for small kids.

Show your nieces and nephews just how savvy you are about head injuries too. Children learn by example, so forget about your blow dried doo and put on a helmet too!