Bike Helmet Spares Oregon Teen Serious Injury

"We recommend that all bicyclists wear a bike helmet when riding. It's the smart thing to do." - Kevin Rau, Marion County Sheriff's Office

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police say a Salem teen avoided serious injury Friday because he followed the law and wore a bike safety helmet.

Kevin Rau with the Marion County Sheriff's Office says that just after 1:30 PM Friday, deputies responded to the area of Liberty Rd S near Hylo Rd S on a report of a bicycle versus car crash.

"A 14 year old Salem boy was riding his bicycle southbound on Liberty Rd S against traffic. The boy decided to cross the road. When he did so, he turned right into the path of an oncoming car and was hit."

Rau says the car, a blue 2002 Accura, driven by 78-year old Maxine Warnath of Salem, was traveling at about 45 mph at the time of impact. Both the bicycle and the car were heavily damaged.

The boy was transported to Salem Hospital where he is currently being treated for what appears to be non life threatening injuries, according to Rau.

"He was able to talk to deputies at the hospital and describe what happened. Doctors say the fact that the boy was wearing a bike helmet may have protected him from much more serious injuries."

Oregon law requires bicyclists riding on a roadway to obey all traffic laws, to include riding the same direction as traffic and signaling turns and lane changes. In addition, bicyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a bicycle helmet.

Rau and others say this crash clearly illustrates the benefit of wearing a helmet. "We recommend that all bicyclists wear a bike helmet when riding. It's the smart thing to do."

No citations have been issued but the investigation is continuing.