Store gives away bike helmets for kids

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The dangers of riding a bike without a helmet are high, and now, dozens of children are strapping on new helmets for free.

Every child under the age of 14 is required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike. On Wednesday, Kohl's department stores sponsored a free helmet giveaway at Women and Children's Hospital. The trauma unit also gave demonstrations on how fragile the brain is and how wearing the bike helmets can protect their brains from serious injury.

Trauma Coordinator Dawn Melancon said, "At Women and Children's Hospital, what we recommend is that every child that rides a bike has a helmet on. It should be properly fitted, which means it should be nice and snug. The chin strap should be strapped and snug also, and parents should be a role model and wear their helmets, too. And other kids should encourage their friends to wear helmets. Keep everybody safe and out of the hospital for the summer."

Even though the law only applies to children under 14, the trauma unit recommends that all people riding a bike wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries.