Saved by the helmet – Lincoln Smith’s story

The then four-year-old was hit by a van with the driver seemingly unable to see him riding past. After being rescued from under a front tyre, Lincoln was taken to hospital where he was treated for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Sharing the family’s story, Lincoln’s mother, Lyndal, remembered the shock and pain the whole family endured from the incident.

“It is a miracle that he is still alive, one moment, one inch more, a sliding door moment and it could have easily gone the other way. I don’t bare to think if that had happened,” she said.

Lincoln’s broken bones and cuts are now healed, and he is back riding again, sporting a new bright orange helmet purchased by his parents.

“Anything to make him more visible,” Lyndal said.

“When we were looking for one (helmet), I didn’t care about the price, I wanted to make sure that if he did have an accident that I would have done all I could to make sure his head was safe.”

The family is happy Lincoln is back on his bike but is cautious about sharing the street with other road users.

“We should all be more aware of people, of cyclists, or anyone using our streets. Slow down and look behind you even when you are parked before you open the doors of your car.” she said.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch Shane Johnson said staying safe on the road is important for all road users, however cyclists are more vulnerable because they have less protection than other road users. A helmet is of paramount importance.

“Helmets are life-saving safety equipment,” said Superintendent Johnson.

"Bicycles are classified as vehicles and cyclists must obey all road rules including wearing an approved bicycle helmet.

“The incident with Lincoln shows how quickly things can happen on the roads and why it is so important to be aware of the rules, be prepared, take precautions, and wear a helmet.”

SAPOL’s Road Safety Centre plays a crucial role in reducing road trauma by increasing awareness, knowledge and skills of road users of all ages.

“It’s great to see Lincoln here at the Road Safety Centre here in West Beach. We encourage everyone to visit the centre and use the mock roadway, where young pedestrians and cyclists can learn about road safety in a safe and fun environment.” Superintendent Johnson said.

Here are some simple tips to help keep cyclists safe:

• make sure bicycles are in good working order by checking that brakes work, tyres are inflated correctly, and warning device works
• wear brightly coloured clothing to be easily seen by other road users
• make sure loose clothing and shoelaces are tucked away, so they don’t get caught in a bike chain
• wear an approved helmet that is fitted correctly on the head.

For more information on road safety visit: SAPOL - Road safety

For a PDF copy of Lyndal Redman's letter (screenshots below) please contact SAPOLMediaSection@police.sa.gov.au

Video shown during media conference - 13 November 2025

Media conference - 13 November 2025

Lincoln Smith with mum Lyndal

Letter to Lincoln from Lyndal Redman page 1

Letter to Lincoln from Lyndal Redman page 2