By Dr. Andrea B. Kohn

Last summer I was in a bad bicycle accident where I flipped over my handlebars and landed on my head. I suffered a concussion and a few scrapes from doing a faceplant on the asphalt.

I was knocked unconscious from my fall, but one of the first things I remember hearing is an EMT saying, “… she has a Road ID!” When I was unable to speak for myself my road ID had all the information needed for the EMTS to initiate the best medical care for me.

A Road ID is much more than many medical alert bracelets that simply states a medical issue. The Road ID has your name, address, emergency contact and much more.

Although you see people walking, biking, and running in your neighborhood, you may not know their address or even their name. First responders equipped with the information on the Road ID can immediately contact family members, which initiates a chain of events that can save your life. You are not a “Jane Doe” being brought to the emergency room because the hospital will be able to locate your medical records and be prepared.

Accidents happen and more often than you think. According the Road ID webpage each year approximately 450,000 people are taken to hospitals unconscious and without identification. This form of ID is not just for the biker it is for the walkers and joggers too. Basically, anyone on a road or path that can encounter an accident. It is simple, convenient, and cheap. This is something you can do for your peace of mind, go to RoadID.com.

The other lesson from my accident is to always wear a helmet when bicycling. In my case, I am sure it prevented much more serious injuries.