Citation

Scheidt PC, Wilson MH, Stern MS. Pediatrics 1992; 89(6 Pt 2): 1248-1250.

Affiliation

Human Learning and Behavior Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1594383

Abstract

In 1990, the first regulation requiring the use of helmets for bicyclists younger than 16 years of age was passed in Howard County, Maryland. This unexpected injury control measure resulted from the convergence of multiple factors and efforts: the bicycle-related deaths of two children from the same middle school, creative students and teachers motivated by these deaths, a responsive legislator to introduce the legislation, available surveillance and research statistics supporting the need and efficacy for helmet use, increased national awareness of the importance of helmet use to prevent bicycle-related head injuries, and organized national and local public health groups to support the legislation. This case study of activism in injury control illustrates the importance of supporting research, of well-organized public health coalitions and groups, and of creative community activists motivated by local circumstances.