Patty: Welcome to CPSC’s podcast for Tuesday, August 10, 2009. I’m Patty Davis.

Patty: Today we are joined by CPSC spokesperson Nychelle Fleming to discuss bicycle helmet safety.

Patty: How many people are killed or injured in bicycle accidents every year?

Nikki: CPSC is aware of about 800 bicyclists that are killed annually and more than half a million are treated in hospital emergency rooms. As you can see this is a very serious hazard and we want consumers to be able to avoid these kinds of problems.

Patty: How can you avoid being hurt on a bike?

Nikki: One of the best ways kids and parents can protect themselves and avoid being hurt from serious head injury associated with bicycles is to wear a helmet. It is the single most important item you can put on before you get on a bike. In fact, helmets can reduce the risk of head injury to cyclists by as much as 85 percent.

Patty: Those are pretty good odds. What should a parent look for in a helmet not only for themselves but for their children?

Nikki: Number one make sure it is readily available. Have it available in your garage next to your bike that way you can just pick it up and put it on your head all the time. Make sure it fits properly. It should have a snug fit. It should fit level on your head and have a chin strap that fits tightly. In addition, you want to make sure your choosing a helmet your kid will actually wear. One of the ways you can do that is to look for colorful designs or graphics that may actually intrigue them and help them to remember to always put it on.

Patty: Thanks Nychelle. Visit our Web site, www.cpsc.gov, for more information on bicycle helmet safety. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sign up to receive CPSC’s recall announcements directly to your email inbox. That’s it for this week’s CPSC podcast. Thanks for listening.

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