Phoebe to sponsor bike helmet giveaway

ALBANY — In an effort to help prevent head injuries, Phoebe Emergency Center is giving away 200 bicycle safety helmets for children up to age 12 from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Tift Community Park Market.

“Bicycle riders with helmets are less likely to die from their injuries, and less likely to break facial bones, than those not wearing a helmet,” Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Director Dr. James Black said. “The key is to start them wearing one early. As soon as they start riding their bikes, they should be taught to wear a helmet. It should become a routine.”

A limited number of helmets in sizes small, medium and large will be available. To receive a helmet, children will have to be present to receive a fitting. Helmets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Pecan City Peddlers and members of the Albany Police Department Bicycle Division will be on hand to assist with fittings as well as share tips on riding safely.

“It’s similar to wearing a seat belt,” Black said. “While wearing one doesn’t prevent you from being in a car accident, it does lower the risk of injury and of dying in an accident.”