Attleboro, MA (August 25, 2026) — An 8-year-old boy was injured Monday afternoon, August 24, after he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Pearl and Parker streets in Attleboro, according to police. It happened just after 1 p.m.
The boy was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. His injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening, though he was reported not to have been wearing a helmet at the time.
The driver of the car remained at the scene and was reported to be cooperating with the investigation.
The cause of the wreck remains under investigation. We hope the boy makes a full recovery.
Why Bicycle Helmets Matter So Much for Kids
Children’s heads are proportionally larger relative to their body size than an adult’s, and their skulls are still developing, which makes head injuries from a fall or a hit especially concerning at a young age. A hit that might leave an adult with a minor bump can carry more serious risk for a child’s still-forming skull and brain.
A properly fitted helmet significantly lowers the risk of serious head injury in a fall or a hit involving a vehicle. Fit matters just as much as simply wearing one, since a helmet that’s too loose or sits too far back on the head doesn’t absorb impact the way it’s designed to, leaving gaps in protection even when a child technically has one on.
Many states and cities have specific helmet laws for young bicycle riders, reflecting how much this age group benefits from consistent use. Building the habit early, treating a helmet as a non-negotiable part of every ride rather than an occasional choice, tends to carry over into safer habits as children grow into more independent riding as teenagers and adults.