NORWOOD, Ohio – National Bike Safety Month took on a whole new meaning for 13-year-old Caroline Kelley this week.
A car hit the Norwood teen while she was riding her bike Monday, but because she kept her promise, her helmet kept her safe.
Last summer, Norwood police officers partnered with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to pass out free bike helmets to Caroline and other kids.
All they had to do was make a pledge.
Caroline Kelley (left) got a free bicycle helmet from Norwood police last summer and she wears it to this day.
"When we give away those helmets, I kind of make the kids make a pledge to me that they will wear it because they're not cool to wear and most kids aren't wearing them," Lt. Ron Murphy said.
It’s a good thing Caroline did. She was struck as she attempted to cross a busy intersection at Montgomery Road.
"One of the cars that was turning didn't look my way… and it was too late to get out of the way," she said.
Fortunately, she got just a few scrapes and a bent tire.
Studies show helmets can decrease death rates by up to 80 percent in a crash. But it's not only important to wear a helmet – it’s important that it fits properly.
Experts at Children's Hospital Injury Center say helmets prevent skull fractures and absorb the impact of a blow as long as the straps are properly tightened and the helmet doesn't sit too high on the rider’s head.
Parents: Here’s how to get a free helmet for your child
Your next chance to score a free helmet for your child is at the Reds games scheduled for June 3 and June 18.
Five hundred helmets will be available.
Just bring your child to have them measured for their size. Experts from Children's Hospital Injury Center will have a booth to take measurements at those two games.
Then you'll get a voucher to pick up a free helmet at the Children's Hospital location at 2800 Winslow Ave.
