Wearing a helmet when cycling can save hundreds of lives
Public 25.04.2005 in category Press News / Others
- During the past five years, 768 Czech cyclists have died and 4,168 have been severely injured
- A cyclist without a helmet is exposed to a 19 times higher risk of death than if wearing a helmet; children are among the most at risk
- This year, an accident prevention day takes place in fourteen cities
Prague, 26 April 2005 - Children are the most vulnerable road users. Every year, around three and a half thousand children under 15 suffer injury in connection with traffic accidents, which is approximately 145 full primary school classes. Over the past five years alone, 768 Czech cyclists have died, 4,168 have been severely injured and 21,796 have suffered minor injuries. Severe injuries often involve severe head injuries and head injuries are the cause for 75% of all deaths.
As the world-renowned cyclist Erik Zabel, a member of the professional T-Mobile Team, says to his nine-year son Rick: "Protect your head, you've got only one," and adds: "A helmet is the best life insurance for a cyclist. Everybody should try it out thoroughly first. The helmet must fit properly and must not be able to move back and forth on the head. If it sits too high on the forehead, it does not protect the cyclist's head correctly. And make sure the strap is securely fastened under your chin!"
Statistics show that a cyclist without a helmet undergoes a 19 times higher risk then a cyclist wearing one. Protective helmets can prevent 83% of skull fractures, 53% of injuries to the soft parts of the head and 48% of brain injuries. Children aged 6-14 are among those most at risk. At this age, they learn to be independent, ride the bike in a risky way, do not watch out. A helmet, which is not unaffordable, can literally save their lives in many cases! The parts most frequently injured in children after a fall from a bike are: head - 44%), arms - 27%, abdomen - 6%, knees - 23%.
"T-Mobile provides long-term support for cyclists, not only via the international T-Mobile Team which fights for victory at Tour de France and other races every year. We realize that we also have to help those who cycle for fun. When I go on a bike ride in summer and I see children cyclists, I often notice that many of them are not wearing a helmet. Their parents thus take a risk that is inexcusable and hard to understand. That's why we, in cooperation with the Extended Hand (Podana ruka) foundation and the Helmet Fits Better than a Bandage programme, will tour 14 Czech towns and cities. Even if we saved just a single life this way, it is worth doing it," says Jiri Hajek, Vice President Corporate Communication at T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s.
The Extended Hand foundation has been cooperating with T-Mobile for two years. Every year, it organizes an information campaign called "Childhood Without Injuries". The programme includes a wide range of educational activities for children as well as their families, schools and interest groups. The campaign starts on 4 May in Uherske Hradiste and will continue in 14 towns and cities this spring.
| Date | Town |
| 4 May | Uherske Hradiste |
| 5 May | Hodonin |
| 10 May | Strakonice |
| 12 May | Beroun |
| 17 May | Pelhrimov |
| 19 May | Hradec Kralove |
| 24 May | Teplice |
| 26 May | Kladno |
| 7 June | Jicin |
| 9 June | Nymburk |
| 14 June | Brno |
| 16 June | Havlickuv Brod |
| 21 June | Pardubice |
| 23 June | Kolin |
About the Company
T-Mobile Czech Republic has been operating in the Czech market since 1996. As of 30 September 2011, almost 5.4 million customers were using T-Mobile services.
T-Mobile operates a public mobile communications network on the GSM and UMTS standards. Since 1 January 2008, T-Mobile has been offering fixed data and voice telecommunications services. In 2009, T-Mobile extended its portfolio to include ICT services and, since November 2010, the operator also offers the T-Mobile TV satellite television service.
T-Mobile has always focused on the quality of offered services. Independent tests have repeatedly confirmed that T-Mobile is the quality leader in 2G and 3G (UMTS FDD) data services, as well as in GSM voice services.
Since its establishment, the company has placed emphasis on excellent customer service and proper conduct towards business partners, employees and the environment. T-Mobile has received, among other awards, the VIA Bona 2009 award for the involvement of its employees in philanthropic and volunteer activities.
T-Mobile is a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom. Thanks to the group’s international presence, customers can count on the worldwide availability of their favourite services and enjoy uniform, favourable prices of calls when abroad.
For more information about the company, please visit t-press.cz or www.t-mobile.cz.
