This summer, youth spotted wearing a helmet while biking, skateboarding, or other appropriate activities could find themselves being treated to a free DQ ice cream cone by local law enforcement.

It is a fact that helmets save lives and reduce injuries. For that reason, AAA partnered with the North Dakota Sheriffs’ Association, the North Dakota Chiefs of Police Association, Safe Kids Fargo-Moorhead and Dairy Queen to create the I Got Caught Program. The Bismarck Police Department, Mandan Police Department, Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department and Morton County Sheriff’s Department are implementing the program locally.

During the summer months, children will be rewarded with a free DQ ice cream cone when spotted wearing a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard, scooter or wearing inline skates. When “caught”, law enforcement will “cite” the child by issuing them a mock ‘ticket”. The ticket will include a coupon for a free small ice cream cone at participating DQ restaurants.

As important as ice cream is, keeping children safe is even more important. Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways of preventing a child from experiencing permanent injury when biking, skateboarding or other activities of that nature. Parents should require that their child wears a helmet while doing these activities and set a good example by wearing a helmet themselves.