Victim encourages use of helmets
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Elizabeth “Lizzy” Deschenes knows how important wearing a bike helmet is, crediting one for saving her life earlier this summer when she was struck by a vehicle as she rode away from the outdoor pool.
That’s why she and her mother will be joining others at the Forum on Aug. 27, taking part in festivities marking Youth Bike Safety Day, in conjunction with the Balloon Festival weekend.
“Lizzy and I came up with the idea as a way to promote the use of helmets. She was so frustrated after the accident, seeing others riding without helmets. We’ll have her bike and helmet there on Saturday to show people what can happen in even a low-impact collision,” said Billie Jo Deschenes, Lizzy’s mother.
Deschenes said police told her the vehicle that struck her daughter on July 11 was only going about 5 miles an hour. That might not sound very fast but the force was enough to send the child and bike tumbling to the ground, with Lizzy’s helmet shattering into several pieces.
“We tried to locate all the pieces — have about eight of them — but weren’t able to put it all back together. We hate to think what would have happened had she not been wearing it,” she said.
“The helmet saved the youth’s life. She received minor injuries instead of life-threatening ones,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge of the Presque Isle Police Department.
Selfridge said he was approached by the mother and daughter who asked what they could do to promote the use of helmets.
“Lizzy asked how she could prevent other kids from getting hurt, so her mother has coordinated a sponsoring partnership of the Kiwanis Club, Cary Medical Center, The Aroostook Medical Center and KeyBank for this safety program. An officer of the PIPD will be on hand and fliers promoting the wearing of helmets will be handed out by officers on patrol to compliment and reward children who wear helmets and as education for those not wearing one,” he said.
“Kiwanis usually does something each year about bike safety. We wanted to do whatever we could to help get the word out,” said Deschenes. “We went to the city manager and asked what we could do to make kids more aware. He sent us to the PIPD. I hate to think what today would be like if my daughter hadn’t worn her helmet.”
Selfridge said the event is designed to be a fun yet informative experience for participants.
“We will be reminding the public at the safety day that protective headgear is required by law to be worn by bicycle operators or passengers under age 16 if on a public roadway or public bikeway. The helmet should be of good fit, positioned properly and fastened securely upon the head by helmet straps,” said Selfridge.
Police encourage bicyclists to wear helmets when riding on both public and private ways, regardless of age.
Selfridge said the law requires riders 16 and under to wear a helmet.
“The law recognizes education as being an important tool (in promoting safety). For a first violation a law enforcement officer may provide education material to the offender and may speak to the child’s guardian to encourage wearing a helmet and where to purchase one. A second violation may result in a $25 fine, which can be waived if the guardian or parent shows proof of a helmet purchase for the child after the citation,” said Selfridge.
Deschenes said both her children — Lizzy, who’s 11, and her 7-year-old son — have always worn helmets when riding their bikes.
“They’ve never given me any trouble about wearing one. They were taught that you don’t ride without one,” she said.
Deschenes said her daughter has always been a fighter and when she sets her mind to something, she devotes her time and energy into making it happen.
“She was born at 30 weeks — she’s my miracle girl. She’s always been a fighter. The doctors said she probably wouldn’t be able to swim the rest of the summer but in less than two weeks from the date of the accident she was back in the water,” said Deschenes.
“Now she has it in her head to spread the word about helmet use,” Deschenes said, noting that “all the women in our family are strong-willed.”
Deschenes said her family was amazed and grateful for all the support they received from their church, the community, doctors and emergency personnel the day of the accident and the weeks that followed.
“Our church, the community — everyone pulled together. EMMC is phenomenal when it comes to treating kids — games, murals with clouds and animals, computers. Dr. Movius insisted on Lizzy calling her Dr. Amy — made it easier for us to remember her name,” she said.
Even those she works with helped the family through the ordeal.
“I work at a daycare. The parents of the children I care for gave us enough to buy Lizzy a new bike and cover my week’s wages,” said Deschenes. “I’m a very proud person — had to fight turning it down. I just couldn’t believe the kindness and generosity so many people showed us.”
A new school year has begun — a year Deschenes said her daughter is looking forward to.
“She’s starting the 6th grade with her classmates. I’m still in awe of how fast she recovered. My family’s so grateful for the care and support we received. Grant Spinney (PIFD) and Officer Pete Johnson checked up on Elizabeth. We went and thanked the fire department personally when we got home,” said Deschenes, noting this experience has made her realize how close the community is.
“Emergency personnel don’t get the praise they deserve. It’s more than a job to them,” she added.
The Deschenes are hoping Lizzy’s accident will serve as a reminder of how fragile a life is and how important taking safety precautions can be.
“We’re doing this to wake up parents. This type of accident can happen to anyone. For the cost of a helmet, you could be saving a life,” said Deschenes. “That’s one investment I’m glad I made.”
