The only time I'll take off my full-faced Giro Remedy now is when i'm
in the shower (with company).
LARGO POLICE: HELMET LIKELY SAVED BOY HIT BY FALLING POLE
http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/30/largo-police-bike-helmet-likely-saved-boy-hit-fall/
By Stephen Thompson of The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 30, 2008
LARGO - Sometimes it pays to wear a bicycle helmet even if you are not
riding a bicycle.
Largo police say a helmet likely saved the life of a 12-year-old boy
when a pole fell on his head in a chain of events at a school crossing
Tuesday. The boy was holding his bicycle and waiting for crossing
guards to guide him and his Largo Middle School schoolmates at Eighth
Avenue Southwest and Ridge Road, Largo police said.
Nearby, a Chevrolet truck was backing into a parking space at a Fifth
Third Bank when its brakes failed, said Lt. Mike Loux. The truck
jumped a curb, crossed a stretch of grass and struck a pedestrian-
crossing signal pole, causing the pole to fall on top of the 12-year-
old boy, hitting him on the head, Loux said.
The boy fell, smacking his face on the pavement, with the pole on top
of him, Loux said.
A school crossing guard lifted the pole off the boy and stayed at his
side until paramedics arrived, Loux said.
The boy was flown to an area hospital for treatment and is in stable
condition, Loux said.
The child has a laceration on his neck, minor facial injuries and a
concussion. The bicycle helmet likely saved his life, Loux said.
The driver of the truck was cited for having improperly maintained
brakes, Loux said.
The school resource officer at Largo Middle is expected to give the
boy a certificate honoring him for wearing his helmet, Loux said. The
SRO also will give the boy a new bicycle helmet, Loux said.