Collaborative assessment: exploring parental injury prevention strategies through bicycle helmet use

While multiple studies have investigated bicycle helmet use, qualitative studies investigating parental strategies to promote their children's safety are rare. Thirty-four parents were interviewed to explore their injury prevention strategies. Findings suggest that the developmental stage of the child, the child's gender, and rural versus urban residence are all related to strategies parents use and their success in promoting bicycle safety. Peer pressure was the major deterrent, and negative "parent pressure" was also identified as problematic. Themes emerged that may support future injury prevention efforts with children, parents, and their communities and provide agencies information not previously captured quantitatively.