Proper safety gear saves lives, required on Keesler streets Published Oct. 12, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Back in the "good old days," kids whizzed around on bikes and skates without a care in the world, never bothering to strap on a helmet. It's a different world now -- more congested and dangerous. Helmets have become a requirement for children and adults who enjoy bicycles, skateboards, non-motorized scooters, roller blades and roller skates. In 2009, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 630 bicyclists died on U.S. roads and 91 percent of those victims weren't wearing helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway estimates that helmet use could reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent for bicyclists and skaters. Bryan Bailey of the 81st Training Wing Safety Office stressed that Air Force Instruction 91-207 requires all persons to wear a properly fastened helmet when using these modes of transportation on base. The rule applies to family members as well. "The word isn't getting to our families," said Chief Master Sgt. Angelica Johnson, 81st TRW command chief. "There's a noticeable increase in family members not wearing their gear and acting as if they're not aware of the rules. I stopped seven people in my housing area alone over the weekend." In addition to helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads are recommended for skaters and scooter riders. Users must also comply with all pedestrian-related traffic laws.