In an effort to promote the use of helmets and encourage safe behavior, the Cranford Police Department and Children’s Specialized Hospital Safe Kids Union County are launched the “B Hard Headed” campaign on May 1, 2018. This safety initiative, which will run thru June 15, 2018, uses positive reinforcement and education as a way to emphasize the importance of helmet safety and brain injury prevention.
Children under the age of 17 seen wearing a helmet when participating in a wheeled sport activity will be given a “positive summons” by a Cranford Police Traffic or Juvenile Detective. The summons includes a reward for the child for practicing safe responsible behavior. The reward, donated this year by Il Giordino Ristorante of 103 Miln Street, can be redeemed for a free slice of pizza at their establishment through June 15, 2018.
The summons also enters the helmet compliant rider into a raffle for a brand new Huffy Rock It 20-inch bicycle. This gift was made possible by a donation from the Children’s Specialized Hospital. Chief Ryan Greco of the Cranford Police Department stated, “Our goal is to increase the use of helmets by those under the age of 17 and encourage children throughout our community to get ‘caught’ wearing a helmet through this reward-based program.”
Brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. A properly worn helmet is the single most effective safety device available to reduce the chance of brain injury and death by as much as 85 percent. New Jersey’s helmet law requires that children under the age of 17 wear a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding, and roller-skating. B Hard Headed is a community program that involves not only police and local children, but also schools, businesses, community leaders, media, and parents.
(above) ‘Be Hard Headed’ campaign encourages use of bike helmets.
