Your head is an important part of you. That’s why you need to wear your helmet when you ride on your bike. A lot of children get seriously hurt and even killed by injuries to their heads while riding bikes. Make sure that you have a good strong helmet that fits snugly on your head, but not too tightly. Most helmets have a liner that is adjustable to your head size. Remember to ride your bike carefully, especially if you are on the street. You need to follow the same rules as cars if you are riding down the road, like stopping at red lights and stop signs and signaling when you are turning. To turn left, point that way with your left hand. To turn right, point your left hand straight up in the air. Remember that whether you are on the street or on the sidewalk, you need to watch for people making sudden turns or coming in and out of driveways. And please don’t forget your helmet. If you make it a habit, you won’t even have to think about it.

When you were a little baby, you rode in a little car seat. That was the best way for your family to keep you safe. Now that you are older (old enough to read this!) you and everyone in the car needs protection from injury with a seatbelt, no matter where you sit in the car. The safest place for children is the back seat. Many states have laws about children having to sit in safety seats or wear seat belts. If you weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, you can still use a booster seat. But when you get bigger, you need to use the seat belt and the shoulder strap to keep you as safe as possible. Keep the straps snug but comfortable. Remember, the driver can get a ticket if you aren’t wearing that seat belt. In North Carolina, all children under the age of 12 that are not in car seats must wear a seat belt, whether you are in the back or front seat. Everyone in the front seat - no matter how old - must wear one.