When riding your motorcycle, it is best to wear a well-fitted motorcycle helmet. When you buy a helmet, make sure you’re wearing it correctly, and make sure that it meets safety standards.
First, try the helmet on. It should be comfortable to wear, but snug and tight against your head. A full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers all of the head and face. Always fasten the helmet strap. If the helmet is not secured, it is not offering the optimal protection. Did you know that all adult-sized motorcycle helmets now sold in the United States must have a sticker indicating Department of Transportation (DOT) approval and compliance, which means that the helmet meets certain basic impact standards? Don’t buy a helmet without a DOT sticker, as it may not meet safety standards. Remember, helmets vary greatly in price and style. Buy one that suits you. A good helmet makes motorcycling safer and more pleasurable, as it cuts down on the wind noise and greatly reduces rider fatigue. Many motorcycle helmets are now made of light, new materials with many designs and colors to choose from. If you drop your helmet onto a hard surface, or it receives a heavy blow, it is probably time to buy a new one. A motorcycle helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a blow, and a helmet should only do that once. If in doubt, get a new one! Additional information provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation whose web site is located at www.msf-usa.org |
Many residents have probably heard about the recent bounce house incidents, where inflatable structures went airborne with children still inside them! Two of these events occurred in May 2014 alone, in New York and Colorado. Unfortunately, these preventable incidents have been happening for some time, but have recently increased in number.
According to one study by doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital, injuries related to bounce houses have more than doubled between 2008 and 2010. At least 10 inflatables collapsed or were blown away in 2011, injuring more than 40 people. Bounce house related injuries include 4,506 concussions and closed head injuries between 1995 and 2010. Other reported injuries included more than 17,000 broken bones and more than 10,000 bumps and bruises. Here are some important safety tips provided to us by the Child Injury Prevention Alliance: Setting Up an Inflatable Bouncer
Safety and Injury Prevention Tips
Trampolines, like bounce houses, while fun, can create similar hazards and injuries.
To prevent trampoline injuries, follow the tips outlined for bounce houses such as always supervise children when they are on or around a trampoline and don’t allow children under 6 years old to be on a full-sized trampoline. A new publication published by the PA Chapter of the American Trauma Society called “What You Should Know about Trampoline Safety” is a great resource to help prevent trampoline injuries. The publication explains safe ways of using a trampoline and also explains the dangers of a trampoline. For more information, contact the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division by calling 717-766-1616 or visit their web site at www.atspa.org. |
Special thanks to the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division for granting Valley Ambulance Authority permission to reprint these important safety tips!