Oregon teen survives tire to the skull

By Associated Press Published: Nov 7, 2009 at 3:26 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 7, 2009 at 4:11 PM PST
Oregon teen survives tire to the skull
A bike helmet like this one reportedly saved an Oregon girl's life after her head was run over in a Wednesday accident in Salem.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A bicycle helmet helped an Oregon teenager survive without serious injury when her head was run over by a car following a collision.

Marion County sheriff's deputies said 18-year-old Heather Wolff of Scotts Mills was trying to avoid hitting a car driven by 30-year-old Brandon Steinke of Salem when she was thrown over the handlebars of her bicycle. Her head was then run over by a rear wheel of the vehicle.

Deputies said the bike helmet was crushed but Wolff was released from Salem Hospital shortly after the Wednesday night accident.

Deputy Ron Chereghino said Wolff was very lucky and it could have been much worse.

The sheriff's office said it was a good reminder for all bicyclists to wear helmets even though state law only requires them for children under the age of 16.