Cousin’s recovery after crash is why Ohio should require bicycle helmets
One afternoon last summer, my 13-year-old cousin who lives in Tennessee rode his bicycle to meet nearby friends. Soon after departing, he was struck by a pickup truck traveling at 45 mph.
Despite a lengthy intensive care stay, my cousin recovered without permanent brain injury, the most common cause of death and disability in bicycle-related crashes. Many have claimed his survival was nothing short of a miracle.
I don’t disagree, but I contend that his “miracle” had critical help in the form of a bike helmet.
Unlike Ohio, Tennessee is one of 22 states that requires all bicyclists to wear helmets. My cousin’s doctors reiterated that had he not fastened his helmet that day, he likely would not have survived or his quality of life would have drastically diminished.
Within a year, he has returned to normal life, high achieving in school and in basketball, and enjoying his friends and family. My cousin’s story illuminates that roads present unexpected conditions, and helmets remain the single most effective measure to reduce head injury and death from bike accidents.
I support the city of Columbus’ helmet-mandate for kids under 18, and I advocate for Ohio to join the other states that have empowered pediatric safety by requiring helmets for all bicyclists.
Put a lid on it, Ohio.
Dr. Grace Hendrickson, Columbus