More than 350 children have been admitted to the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) this summer after falling from a bicycle, said Renāte Snipe, chief physician at BKUS, in a statement August 18.
Although the use of a helmet is compulsory for children under 16 when cycling and under 17 when riding an electric scooter, only one-third of those who fell from mobility tools were wearing a helmet, Snipe said.
The doctor invites you to join the BKUS social media campaign “Put on your helmet! Keep your head safe and ride safely!”.
Adults riding a bike or scooter with children or grandchildren are encouraged to film or photograph the moment helmets are put on for themselves and their children before setting off. Photos and videos should be tagged with the hashtag “#uzlieckiveri”.
“We are sorry that children are still suffering serious head injuries that would probably be much lighter if they had worn a helmet on their head when using mobility equipment,” said Snipe.
Last year, BKUS initiated and participated in the Road Safety Directorate’s campaign “Example – the most important signpost!” and urged the authorities to tighten restrictions on electric scooters.
BKUS notes that it has been heard and significant changes have been made to the rules of the road, but the rules are often not respected and the number of injuries to children on the road is unfortunately not decreasing.