‘Helmets save lives’: Doctors worry after study shows kids' decrease usage

17 September 2020, Saxony, Dresden: Children ride their bikes on a symbolically designed bicycle path during a bicycle demonstration by the ADFC Dresden for more safety on the way to school.

The association shows in an exemplary way that in many plac OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - It’s that time of the year again when students begin their return to the classroom, but forgetting a critical item before they head off on their bike to school could mean life or death.Pediatric doctors are warning parents after a new study shows increased bike accidents with kids.

This comes after the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed the benefits of helmet use and took action this month to strongly urge the use of them.HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV"The evidence is clear – and we certainly see this impact in the 11 HCA Midwest Health emergency rooms: Helmets save lives and significantly reduce the risks of severe injury," said Dr.

Gabe Schifman, pediatric emergency medicine and medical director of pediatric emergency services at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.Ask any kids what makes them happy, and most will say riding their bike with friends."There’s a sense of independence, freedom, fun and friendship associated with riding bikes," Schifman said.However, bicycle riding is one of the leading causes of sport-related head injuries in pediatrics, resulting in an estimated 26,000 emergency department visits annually, according to Schifman."And we’re very worried about it right now with the increase of kids riding their bikes to school – combined with many new high school drivers on the road and adults not used to sharing the roads with kiddos," he added.