Protective Equipment A Wear A Helmet 1 example essay topic

Outline for Bicycle Safety General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To explain to listeners how they can operate a bicycle safety. Central Idea: You can keep yourself safe on a bicycle if you follow a few safety rules: wear protective clothing, obey the rules of the road, and be aware of your surroundings. Introduction I. Teaching anyone to ride a bike is a most memorable experience, but having them obey the rules and regulations when riding is one of peoples first exposures to obeying the law. Cycling is a great way to exercise as well as a convenient mode of transportation. But before you start riding you should take a few minutes to consider some important safety precautions. II.

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, bicycle related crashes kill about 900 people a year and injure over half a million. Most bicycle deaths or accidents occur between 3-9 pm, and most often occur during the summer months. We can prevent these numbers by: wearing protective equipment, obeying the rules of the road, and being aware of your surroundings. (Transition: Let's talk about the first rule) Body. Wear protective equipment. A. Wear a helmet 1. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce your chances of head injury by 85%2.

Select a helmet that fits comfortably. 3. Wear a helmet to set examples to others if necessary. 4.

Helmets are required in many places so you should check with the police in your area. B. Wear visible clothes 1. Wear bright colors such as white and yellow. Never wear black. 2. If you have the means get reflective straps or hats. Don't wear loose articles of clothing. C. Never carry anything in your hands. D. If you can get reflectors to put on the back, front, and side of your bike so cars can better see you at night (Transition: You have on the right protective gear.

Now What?) II. Obeying the rules of the road. A. Riding a bike is much the same as driving a car 1. Obey traffic signals 2. Obey road markings B. Look in all directions 1. Seven out of ten accidents occur at intersections and driveways 2. Walk your bike across busy intersections and at crosswalks. C. When making turns use had signals to alert motorists.

1. Form an L with the left arm upwards to signal a right turn. 2. Form an L with the left arm downwards to signal stop. 3.

Extend the left arm outwards to signal a left turn. (Transition: You know the rules of the road so what next?) . Be aware of your surroundings. Ride only in safe places 1. Parks 2. School grounds 3.

Bike trails 4. Sidewalks 5. Any other bicycle designated areas. Make sure your bike is adjusted for riding conditions 1. adjust the different speeds for certain terrain 2. check your brakes 3. check your wheels. Try to avoid biking at night and if you do use reflective equipment. D. Have a bicycle lock handy in case you must leave your bike for a period of time. E. Record the serial number from your bike in the case that it is stolen.

(Transition: Hopefully if you follow these rules you will never have to deal with the major accidents that bicycles can cause.) Conclusion I. My suggestions for bicycle safety are: Wear protective equipment; second, follow the rules of the road just as a normal motorist would; third, be aware of you surroundings and know what situations are the safest for riding your bike. II. Although some accidents are unavoidable to even experienced cyclist, these 3 things can prevent the worst from happening. Talk to your kids or you friends and let them know that it may not look cool to wear a helmet or protective equipment but it could mean the difference between life and death.

Bibliography

Giles, Ken "CPSC Releases Bicycle Safety Tips" US Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 1997, Release #97-138 Unknown Author, "Just the Facts about Bicycle Safety" Connecticut Dept.
of Transportation, web July 1998 Anderson, Robert " Statistics on Bicycle Helmet Usage" Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, November 1998, Article #21 Visual Aids Show some safety articles and demonstrate some safety signals.