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The Importance of Wearing a Helmet
I just attended a memorial for a guy I knew. Andy died in an ATV (all terrain vehicle) accident. Here today and gone tomorrow rings out loudly and clearly in my head. Forty-one years of age sounds a trifle too early to leave this world and I don’t think many people believe he’s in a better place. He was in a good place here, with his family, friends and co-workers. Some 500 people at the memorial is a testament to that.
My friend is now another ATV death statistic. Officially, his accident has been attributed to an equipment malfunction. I call it an equipment failure. And the equipment aspect was only part of the failure equation; the other failure was the lack of personal protection.
It was a Preventable Death
When Andy’s ATV equipment failed, it rendered the vehicle incapable of moving forward. The problem was that the ATV was already moving forward when this happened. This had the effect of a crash, sending Andy forward when the vehicle stopped moving. You can picture the result. He catapulted over the handlebars. The tree was in the wrong place. He suffered major trauma. Unfortunately, he wasn’t wearing a helmet.
This was a guy in tremendous physical shape. He could have recovered from the bodily injuries. But the head trauma was the worst and it was one he could not and did not recover from. Even though he survived initially and was hospitalized for a couple of weeks before he died, his life actually ended the moment he struck the tree.
Andy shouldn’t have died. He should still be here. Many people share that thought, but reality prevails.
Risk of Head Injuries Increasing
In Canada and the United States, hundreds of people a year suffer head injuries and die after falling off their bicycles. Thousands more are permanently injured. Now ATVs are on the list, and since ATVs can be driven at higher speeds, the risks are increased.
According to statistical probability estimates, if all cyclists wore approved helmets, perhaps half the deaths and many head injuries could be prevented each year. ATV operators should take note of this.
Conclusion
Personal protective equipment has a different meaning for me today. The “Personal” component has to be the responsibility of the person at risk. Recognizing the risk is sometimes a sobering experience, but it’s a good habit to practice whether you’re taking a short ride on your bike or spending the day ATVing on the trails. Purchasing and always wearing an approved helmet specifically designed for the intended use is a must. Set a good example for your family, friends and co-workers: wear your helmet on your head.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
During the 1990's, I was an ATV Safety Institute certified instructor. During one of the many trail rides we took after an instructional period, I had a similar "crash" in the sense that the front wheels of my ATV dropped into a 14" deep washout from a rainstorm the night before, catapulting me off the machine. Though I only sustained a minor knee injury, there is no doubt that if I had not been wearing not only a helmet but all the recommended riding equipment, if I had not been killed, I certainly would have been much more seriously injured. PPE only works if worn, and hindsight doesn't exist when your injuries are fatal. My condolences on your friend - he died needlessly.
February 2008 I was riding my bike to work in the morning and hit some black ice and I went DOWN---HARD on my right side. I recalled as I was going down how much it would hurt and my head slammed onto the pavement. It hurt so much I though my helmet came off as I fell. When I got up, I touched my head and could feel the helmet was where it was supposed to be, but something was different. Turns out it was broken where it impacted the pavement. After getting to the hospital I sustained a mild concussion, my right knee was sprained, and my right shoulder partially seperated. The neurologist said the helmet saved me from a potentially life alterning and life long lasting head injury. Having worked in a spinal cord and head injury rehab hospital, I know that head and spinal cord injuries are permanent, tragic and they affect more than the person with the injury.
My cousin (who was like a nephew to me) was killed last year while riding his 4-wheeler...it was 2 months to the day before his 22nd birthday. He'd been wearing a helmet all day and was going to leave the site, but then he agreed to take one more ride--but failed to put the helmet back on. As he saw the dirt bike approaching him head-on, he tried to move over and stop, but he began to skid, the dirt bike driver attempted to jump over him but he missed and my cousin was struck in the head by a tire, propelling him over the handlebars and 40 yards down the gravel road. He died at the scene just as the ambulance arrived. He too was in great shape, had played football in high school, was very popular, dearly loved, and my aunt and uncle's only son. The point is that the helmet has to be worn EVERY time. My cousin found out that one ride without his helmet could kill him--the day it did...I pray all readers will encourage everyone they know to wear their PPE EVERY time they ride. My condolences on your loss.
I just saw the issue. What happened and how it can be prevented certainly makes you take notice. If there is anything positive to be taken from a tragedy, it is the thought that it can be prevented in the future.
It is nice to be part of a community of safety professionals who are committed to process, but people and concern for their well being is truly at the core. Evidence of this is found as folks took the time to add their condolences and thoughts about a life taken and even shared their own experiences in the hope that others can take heed and learn.
I certainly would like to say thanks for reading, thanks for caring and thanks for sharing.
Sincerely,
Tony