The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Management (KCDC) said Sunday that only 3 percent of children aged from three to 18 wear helmets while riding bicycles, according to a survey conducted from 2005 to 2008.
The survey said 2.4 percent of children from 3 to 11 years old wore protective helmets in 2007 and 3.2 percent did so in 2008.
In 2008, bicycle accidents accounted for 14 percent of traffic accident victims with 46 percent of them being under 20 years old.
In the United States, the helmet-wearing rate was 3.8 percent in 1991, but education and guidance campaigns raised the rate to 14.9 percent in 2007.
The KCDC suggested wearing fitted helmets, and avoiding bicycling under the influence of alcohol as good ways to ensure safe bike riding.
"It is necessary to wear bicycle helmets to prevent possible injury. Parents and teachers should educate children to wear helmets," a KCDC official said. Bicycles are becoming popular nationwide, with President Lee Myung-bak leading the way for its strengthes of promoting health and saving energy.
meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
[Roundtable] N. Korea crosses red line, now into red zone 
Three typhoons heading for Korean Peninsula 
Canines saved from Korea's 'dog meat festival' 
Coffee house franchise CEO found dead; suicide note not found 
Teachers accused of molesting 80 students 
Former K-pop star in love with younger bodybuilder 
[INTERVIEW] 'Human, AI translators complement each other', says Flitto CEO 
Moon's 3% - another magic number? 
Starbucks Korea blasted for 'bottle cap blended' 
Mercedes-Benz to roll out driverless vehicle within 5 years 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)