I am writing in response to Scott Stofer’s letter, ‘Helmet laws take away our choice’. First off I would like to say that I agree with Scott that in the last 10 years safety has been commercially exploited to the point of insensibility in some areas. However, I do take umbrage at his view on bicycle helmets. I am happy for Scott and his friends that they cycled through their youth unscathed but to state that he has never heard of anyone suffering a serious brain injury due to a lack of a helmet is nonsense.
I work with a guy who was unfortunate enough to be hit by a car while riding home one dark and rainy night. He suffered facial lacerations, a concussion and various other scrapes and bruises. His helmet was split in half when he hit the windsheild and undoubtedly saved him from more serious injury.
Scott concludes by saying that parents just need to teach their kids common sense. I would say common sense dictates that you encourage your kids to wear a helmet.
Vaughan Reeve
Saanichton