A dramatic demonstration of a cycling collision has highlighted the importance of wearing a helmet, with emergency services reporting more than 300 bike or scooter-related incidents in July alone.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) recreated a serious crash in a specialist simulation suite to show the potential consequences of not wearing a helmet. The visual image of blood pouring from a youngster's head, even if it was face paint or food colouring, left a lasting impression.
Why Helmets Matter
Alun Ross from NEAS explained the core risk: "The risk we have got when someone doesn't have a helmet on is that even in what might be a reasonably slow speed accident, [someone's] head is falling from a height and it just doesn't have any cushioning."
He added: "If you hit the edge of a kerb, a lamppost, those things just don't give way. A helment gives you that little bit of protection, that's the message to pass on."
Growing Concerns
With more bikes and scooters on the roads, some with electric motors capable of speeds that might shock many, crashes are becoming more commonplace. NEAS officials report that in July alone there were more than 300 incidents related to the use of bikes or scooters.
Even without other vehicles involved, it's easy to come off a bike - a little overconfidence on a bend could leave you sprawled on the pavement with "road rash" on your knees and elbows.
Real-Life Impact
Charlene Storey told of the crash that injured her son Logan, 11, who broke his leg earlier this year in a crash in Station Road, Prudhoe. She said: "My message is just for others to wear a helmet. It's going to keep you safe."
She added: "Otherwise, who knows, Logan could have had a serious head injury, too. It's really taken the impact. We are just glad that he only suffered the broken leg - as it could have been a lot worse."
The message is clear: no matter how quickly or slowly you're going, your head could go from head height to the ground very suddenly. It's the ultimate 'better safe than sorry' scenario.
