Hunter Ford, a 15-year-old student at Steam Academy in Deltona, is lucky to be alive after a devastating e-bike collision last year. Ford was riding his e-bike to school when he was hit by a car at the intersection of Howland Boulevard and Roble Lane. The accident left him with severe injuries, including a head injury, a damaged spleen, and a torn liver.

Helmets Save Lives

Ford credits his helmet with saving his life. "Just wear a helmet, even if it’s a Walmart helmet. I wore a Walmart helmet, and it’s the reason I’m alive now," he said. The accident has prompted Ford to advocate for helmet safety, especially among his peers.

The Volusia County School District is taking steps to promote e-bike safety. James Barringer, executive director for graduation assurance and student services, explained that the district is offering a 30-minute Canvas course on e-bike safety. Students who complete the course will receive a permit sticker for their bike, similar to a student driver’s permit.

The course covers essential safety topics, including the importance of wearing a helmet, how to navigate streets and intersections, and how to be aware of one’s surroundings while riding an e-bike. The district’s goal is to ensure that students are safe and responsible while riding e-bikes on campus.

Ford believes that school districts should do more to enforce helmet safety. "You should be looking at the students, and if they don’t have a helmet, you shouldn’t be letting them ride their bike back home," he said. As students return to school on e-bikes and e-scooters, Ford hopes his experience will serve as a warning to always wear a helmet.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.