MARATHON COUNTY “HELMET HERO” SAFETY INITIATIVE IN FULL SWING

A safety campaign is active once again in Marathon County this summer, reminding kids to wear helmets while biking, scootering, or skateboarding. The “Helmet Hero” initiative is a joint effort by Aspirus Health, Safe Kids Marathon County, and local law enforcement agencies. As an incentive, groups will be teaming up with Wausau and Metro Bay Police Department to be on the lookout for kids wearing their helmets properly while riding through the community. Children who “caught” wearing a helmet will get a ticket – for a free ice cream at Briq’s Soft Serve! Those who need a helmet may be able to obtain a voucher for a free one.

Nearly half of bike-related injuries that lead to hospitalization result in the diagnosis of a head injury, yet less than half of children wear a helmet. The joint agencies and organizations are hopeful that the program will create life-long habits as bike crashes can occur at any age or skill level.