The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s (OTLA) Helmets on Kids event was held on May 9, 2024, at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic School located in the Jane and Finch area. JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P, in association with OTLA and in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, hosted and sponsored the event in order to distribute bike helmets to children with an aim to prevent head injuries amongst children. JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P, along with the generous sponsorship of Access Rehab, Synoptic Medical, LISKE Accident & Injury Experts, Medchart, and 7 Star Sports distributed helmets to all the students. A total of 345 helmets were donated. The event was a huge success with Jamaal Magloire, former NBA star and current associate coach and ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and Dr. Daniel Rosenfield of Sick Kids Hospital speaking to the children about bike and helmet safety.
OTLA’s initiative commenced in the London area in 2002. Since its inception, OTLA’s Helmets on Kids Campaign has expanded to numerous regions across the province and has distributed over 40,000 helmets to children in need. The initiative provides awareness and education about helmet use. The program is intended to put a helmet on the head of every child who needs one.
75% of cycling-related fatalities involve head injuries. Helmets are the most effective way to reduce the risk of head injuries by over 80% and are essential to cycling safety for both adults and children.
When purchasing and using a bike helmet:
- Ensure that it has a Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker as this is assurance of thorough testing to ensure a high level of safety;
- Try on different helmets so that you can find the right size, the helmet should not be wobbly or move when you shake your head in any direction. The helmet should be snug and fit on your head;
- Do not store your helmet in a hot place. High temperatures can expand the helmet and break down the foam, making it less shock absorbent; and
- Change your helmet every 6 years if it has not absorbed any damage. If the helmet has been in a crash, immediately retire it and purchase a new helmet.
The team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P strongly encourages everyone in our communities to engage in safe cycling practices.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a cycling accident, contact us at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P and a member of our team will be glad to assist.
