Jiffy Lube Leads Campaign to Increase Bicycle Safety

29 July 1999

Jiffy Lube Leads Campaign to Increase Bicycle Safety, Reduce Traumatic Head Injuries

    HOUSTON--(BW HealthWire)--July 28, 1999--Jiffy Lube International announced today that it is launching a national campaign to educate the public about the benefits of wearing protective headgear while cycling and inline skating to reduce traumatic head injuries. Every year, thousands of people, especially children ages 10 to 14 die from head injuries caused by falls that occur during these activities. Research shows that many of these fatalities could be avoided simply by wearing a helmet.
    As part of the campaign, Jiffy Lube is selling helmets through participating fast lube service centers across the country. Special arrangements were made with SafeTech, a leading maker of bicycle helmets, to offer the helmets at 35 percent below the manufacturer's suggested retail price. The helmets feature aerodynamic styling, ultra, lightweight comfort, a customized fit with an extra set of pads, and a quick release system.
    "Research has shown that head injuries are the primary cause of 80 percent of bike fatalities," said Dr. William J. Winslade, Jiffy Lube's spokesperson for the campaign and author of the book, "Confronting Traumatic Brain Injury." "Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85 percent."
    Statistics show that 900 Americans die each year in bicycle crashes. Children ages 10 to 14, especially males, have the highest death rate from bicycle-related head injuries.
    "Taking the lead on such an important campaign to educate our customers about the benefits of wearing a helmet is part of Jiffy Lube's commitment to the health and well being of the communities where we live and work," said Jiffy Lube President Marc Graham. "We're confident that our efforts will help to reduce the number of head injuries that occur each year."
    For information on how you can obtain your reduced cost protective helmets, visit your local Jiffy Lube or check out the company website at: http://www.jiffylube.com. Jiffy Lube International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, is the world's largest fast lube operator and franchiser. It began in 1979 with seven centers in the Western United States and today there are 1,950 Jiffy Lube centers in 49 states. Pennzoil-Quaker State is a leading worldwide automotive consumer products company that markets Pennzoil(R) and Quaker State(R) brand motor oils, the number one and number two selling motor oils in the United States.
    Safetech is a division of Troxel Cycling & Fitness based in San Diego, which was established in 1898. It is a leading manufacturer of bicycle helmets, child bicycle seats and other juvenile and recreational products.