McDonald police program will highlight bike helmets

McDONALD -- The village police department has initiated a program to help educate youngsters on the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet.
Chief Lou Ronghi announced Wednesday that his department is joining this year with other northeastern Ohio law enforcement agencies and the American Automobile Association's Helmet Smart program.
Helmet Smart is a program for promoting bicycle helmet usage through positive reinforcement. It was developed by AAA and coordinated by the Ohio Motorist Safety Foundation.
Village police officers, Ronghi explained, will issue "safety citation" when they see bicyclists properly wearing a helmet.
The citations can be redeemed for free food at participating Domino's pizza stores and for discount admission to Geauga Lake Amusement Park.
The citations will also be used for drawings during the summer. Children who mail them to AAA will be entered to win a new bicycle and free admission to Geauga Lake.
"We want to stress to children and parents alike; a bike is a vehicle, not a toy," Ronghi said.
Using helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury by 85 percent and can prevent life-long consequences, he added.