Children should always be properly protected while riding. Five years prior to the passage of the bicycle helmet law, state statistics indicate a total of 75 bicycle-related fatalities for riders age 14 and over. Seventy-one fatalities occurred for the same age group five years after the law. However, bicycle-related fatalities for those age 14 and above have remained stagnant. Bicycle helmet use for children under 14 in New Jersey is 68.9 percent, according to the latest survey conducted in 1993 by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
Studies show that nearly all bicycle-related deaths involve head trauma.
In addition, the New Jersey State Safety Council donated 200 bicycle helmets to the Camden Police Department. The helmets will distributed to children in low income families. While a knowledgeable bicyclist and pedestrian are always the best defense against traffic crashes, motorists should be vigilant and remember to share the road. O'Hagan added that as children learn pedestrian and bicycle safety, they look to their parents for acknowledgement and encouragement. Unfortunately, not all parents are as aware of the risks as they could be.