Imagine a ferocious crash, boom. All of a sudden, you hear ambulance sirens in the background and realize you are not riding your bike anymore. You’re on the concrete, and you’re bleeding.  You will be transported to the hospital and doctors will add a series of staples to the gash in your head. They say that your brain may be damaged, similar to an NFL player’s. And all because you did not wear a helmet.

Although there is no federal law that makes helmets mandatory, there is a state law that requires a helmet. However, many people ignore it and risk being fined. According to the California Bicycle Helmet Law, which was passed on 1994, anyone under the age of 18 has to wear a helmet when they are riding a bicycle on the street, a bikeway, or a public bicycle trail. Anyone can be fined if caught breaking this law, even children, although it’s the parents paying, not the kids.

“There is a law. The fine is $99. A couple officers and I have written up children. We don’t like to, but we have to,” said Officer Chad Foytik of the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.

Helmets are worn as a precaution in case of serious injuries. Someone who gets into an accident while riding a bike, skateboard, scooter, or hoverboard without a helmet can face severe trauma.

“I was going down the hill on my scooter and maybe I ran into a rock or something. I smacked my face on the ground and basically I cut my lip and got cuts all over like my wrist. I wasn’t wearing a helmet because they make me feel like a dork,” said Hyder B., a seventh grader who chooses not to wear a helmet.

Sometimes, helmets save lives. Wearing a helmet during an accident can prevent life-threatening injuries.

“I’ve seen a helmet save a life of an adult rider who rides one of those really expensive road bikes. He was coming down Haven at a pretty steep [angle] and a car turned left in front of him. He had his helmet on and it did a lot of damage to his body and to his chest, but his helmet saved his life,” said Officer Chad Foytik.

Additional students complained that helmets do not look appealing or that they are uncomfortable. Others make any excuse they can think of to persuade themselves and others that there is no need to wear a helmet.

“I don’t wear a helmet because it feels uncomfortable and it makes my head all sweaty,” said Angelica M., a sixth grader.

“I ride my scooter on the sidewalk, so it’s not that dangerous,” said Amber R., a seventh grader.

Helmets protect your head, which is the most important part of your body. The brain is located in the head, so it is critical to protect it.

“Your brain is important. You can’t do a lot of things without it – like walking and talking,” said Officer Chad Foytik.
So unless you want to visit the hospital or endure some significant pain, try wearing a helmet.