Helmet Laws Shown to Prevent TBIs - By: Katie Kelley

Shortly after Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter was treated for significant injuries related to a bicycle crash, the Colorado House of Representatives passed legislation that may require children under the age of 18 to wear a helmet if made into a law. The 33-32 vote held on March 3, 2010 will head to the state Senate for further deliberation.

Proposed by Fort Collins Democratic Rep. John Kefalas, House Bill 1147 has the potential to make Colorado the 23 state including the District of Columbia to make helmets required by law for youth riders. In addition to state laws, close to 200 local laws attempt to curb annual bicycle-related injuries.

Helmet Laws Reduce Medical Costs
The Child Safety Network reports that close to 200 children under the age of 15 die each year from a bicycle-related injury. Furthermore, 8,900 children are hospitalized and another 344,000 children were treated and released by emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries. Because bicycle helmets can prevent 52 to 60 percent of bike-related traumatic head injury deaths, 68 to 85 percent of nonfatal head and scalp injuries and 65 percent of upper and middle face injuries, helmet laws are anticipated to drastically reduce total medical costs nationwide for bike-related injuries, especially those involving a traumatic brain injury.

A traumatic brain injury that is sustained during a bicycle accident carries heavy financial burdens. These type of injuries can impact quality of life, reduce future earnings due to permanent disability and can often result in costly medical bills. The CSN estimates that "if 85 percent of all child cyclists wore helmets in 1 year, the lifetime medical cost savings would total $197 to $256 million.

Each helmet worn is estimated to save the Colorado government $110 per year in medical costs - a figure that could result in $1 million a month in savings.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Children
According to the United States Center for Disease Control, the following statistics reveal the number of children age 0 to 14 who fall victim to a traumatic brain injury:

* 2,685 deaths
* 37,000 hospitalizations
* 435,000 emergency department visits annually

Preventative measures to reduce the number of brain injuries that occur each year would be fiscally beneficial and would help improve the quality of life for active children - ensuring their safety during the activities they love. Additionally, preventative measures may also reduce the number of traumatic brain injury lawsuits that are filed each year by individuals and families seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages and quality of life claims.

About the Author

Developing a potential brain injury case can be time consuming and difficult, which is why consulting with an experienced lawyer can help individuals receive appropriate compensation. Visit LegalView.info to learn more or to get information about filing a potential Avandia lawsuit.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Katie-Kelley/56723

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