Should Your Child Wear a Bicycle Helmet?

QUESTION: It doesn't matter how often I tell him, my kid won't wear a helmet
when he rides his bike. Should I make an issue of it?
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ANSWER: It might be wise to bring the matter up again in a nonnagging way.
Wearing a bicycle helmet is important and your child should know this. About
30,000 people are hurt while riding bikes each year and 650 die, mostly due to
head injuries. Almost all head injuries that occur in bike accidents under 35
miles an hour (and only very fit cyclists exceed that) can be prevented by
wearing a helmet.
Have you asked your son why he doesn't wear his helmet? Some older
models are heavy, hot, and uncomfortable. Newer bicycle helmets are lighter
and allow cool air to flow through. Although a new helmet would cost $30 to
$40 dollars, the money is well spent if it gets worn. If your son says he
won't wear his helmet because his friends will think he's a wimp, try showing
him pictures of pro bike riders, all of whom always wear helmets.