WATERLOO - Police and other local law-enforcement agencies are ticketing children to reward safe behavior.

When officers spot a student wearing a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding or rolling on in-line skates, they issue a coupon for a free dairy dessert.

The "I Got Caught" program targets children ages 2-13 with the goal of reducing traumatic head injuries.

It is sponsored by Iowa Health System, Allen Hospital and AAA Minnesota/Iowa.

The coupons are good for a free Frosty at Wendy's restaurants, and children are entered into a drawing for a new bike when they redeem it, said Chad Thomas, program director for Iowa Health System.

Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Gilbertville, Dunkerton and Hudson police departments are participating, as is the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.

Every year, about 800 bicyclists are killed and another 55,000 are injured in the U.S., according to the program. Statistics have shown that helmets can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury by as much as 88 percent.

I got caught was recently only in Waterloo/Cedar Falls and two other metro areas.

Now, 70 police departments, sheriffs' offices and the Iowa State Patrol are participating.

"This year are rolling it out statewide," Thomas said.

Contact Jeff Reinitz

at (319) 291-1578 or

jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.