Safety-minded children and teenagers across Chatham-Kent could be coming home with traffic tickets, courtesy of the local police service.
Chatham-Kent Police Service officers who spot a child wearing his or her bicycle helmet will be handing out tickets to the law abiders this summer. No, it won’t involve any kind of a fine, but it will instead likely put a smile on their faces.
The helmet wearers will be given a coupon for a free ice cream, courtesy of McDonald’s.
It’s all part of Operation Use Your Head, according to Const. Renee Cowell.
“We’re very excited to be working with McDonald’s this summer. We want to reward the kids who are obeying the rules of the road and leading by example, specifically by wearing their helmet,” Cowell said in a media release. “This positive interaction will hopefully leave a lasting impression on the kids and serve as a good reminder to all about the importance of road safety.”
Wade Crosby, owner/operator of McDonald’s, added, “We are excited to promote this new initiative with our local police service for the children within our municipality.”
C-K police remind folks that every cyclist under the age of 18 must by law wear an approved helmet. It’s up to parents and guardians to ensure kids under age 16 don that cranium protection.
Failing to put on a helmet could result in a $75 fine.
Adults aren’t required by law to wear a helmet, although such protection can greatly reduce the risk of permanent injury or death if you fall or collide with a vehicle.
For more information on bicycle safety, please click here.
