Helmet a life saver! |
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 EDUCATION officer Steve Ryburn (left) presents Josiah Johnston with a new helmet to replace his old one, held by Mark Strongman (right). 229061AD By Cathy Asplin Josiah Johnston is all too aware he made a bad decision when he was cycling along Racecourse Road on his way to church. The Bethel student, who is lucky to be celebrating his 11th birthday this weekend, made a split second decision to cross the road to avoid some puddles and went straight into the path of a van. Josiah broke his wrist, his shoulderblade, his collarbone and his arm. He destroyed his kidney, sliced his spleen and liver, collapsed his lungs, knocked out eight teeth and needed 40 stitches to repair the mess he made of his face. But Josiah also made one excellent decision that morning as he headed out the door to jump on his bike. He put his bike helmet on and police say that undoubtedly saved his life. Constable Mark Strongman says Josiah only avoided serious head injuries because of the protection he received from his helmet. “While he spent two days on life support and two weeks in Waikato Hospital, Josiah is home now and can celebrate his 11th birthday with family and friends because he put on that helmet.” Constable Strongman was the officer in charge of the crash scene and admits things weren’t looking too good for the youngster when he arrived. Josiah’s mother, Linda, agrees. “We were lucky our doctor Fraser Hodgson was quickly on the scene, but he was honest with me and said it wasn’t good.” When police officers Mark Strongman and Steve Ryburn visited Josiah at home earlier this week they returned his bent bike and what is left of his shattered helmet. They also had a small surprise for him. Thanks to support from Te A’ cycles owner Brett Purchase, Josiah was presented with a shiny new, red helmet so that he can get back to cycling when he is fully recovered. Not surprisingly Josiah was thrilled, even if it is still a little difficult for him to talk. “It’s awesome - my favourite colour and way better than the one I had before.” He was also more than happy to donate his old, broken helmet to the police so that it can be used as a teaching tool. “The numbers of Te Awamutu cyclists - both adults and children - who don’t wear their helmets is disturbing. Adults in particular should be setting a better example for their children. I will be taking Josiah’s old helmet with me around the schools as part of an education programme to remind students of the importance of protecting themselves on our roads. This will be followed by an enforcement campaign by police. There is no excuse for students to be riding around without their helmets - and having them hanging on the handlebars doesn’t count!” Mr Ryburn says people should be buying a helmet for their child at the same time they buy a bike. “Josiah bought his bike from Te A’ Cycles at Christmas time and made another good decision when he got a helmet. Local bike stores are happy to give advice on helmet sizes and correct fit. There are plenty of reasonably priced options available. After all what price do you put on your child’s life?” |