"Caught Wearing a Helmet" Program

Below is a recent press release from Lieutenant John Conger from the Milton Police Department about a new program the department started called "Caught Wearing a Helmet."

Each year, approximately 135 children die from bicycle-related injuries and more than 267,000 nonfatal bicycle injuries occur. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent; however, only 15 to 25 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bicycle helmet. Furthermore, it is estimated that 75% of fatal head injuries and 45,000 non-fatal head injuries annually could be prevented by use of a helmet by young bicyclists.

It is because of alarming statistics such as this that we are proud to announce our agency’s partnering with local merchants to increase helmet use and reward the children of our community who are making safe decisions. This bicycle season our officers will be handing out certificates to children that they observe wearing helmets while riding their bicycles in the City of Milton. Partnering with us in this great cause are Cowley’s Piggly Wiggly, Dave’s Ace Hardware, The Red Rooster, and the Milton House Museum. These certificates will be redeemable at Cowley’s Piggly Wiggly for a free bottled water, at Dave’s Ace Hardware for a free sport drink, The Red Rooster for a free scoop of ice cream, and at the Milton House Museum for a free piece of candy and a tour.

We believe that helmet use by bicyclists should be a focus and it is our hope that this program will promote more helmet use by the children of our community.