|
Post by lilmermaid on Jun 4, 2012 9:05:40 GMT -6
Reasons to Wear Bike Helmets • Wearing a bike helmet during a crash can reduce the chances of brain injury by 88% • Without a helmet even a low speed fall can cause a serious head injury or death • 75% of all bike-related injuries and deaths involve some type of head trauma How to Choose the Correct Helmet There are many different types of helmets made. It is very important to choose the helmet that is made specifically for your activity. Helmets are designed to give protection from head injuries that are common for the activity they are sold for. For example, a helmet made for biking may not have adequate protection for other activities.
Choose a helmet that meets the specific standards set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Prior to purchasing any helmet make sure you locate CPSC on the label. The CPSC label on a helmet certifies the helmet has been tested and withstood certain levels of impact and will give adequate protection. Check for recalls on specific helmets prior to purchase. Make sure the helmet sits level on the head and has a fit that is not only snug but is also comfortable The brim of the helmet should sit 1-2cm above the eyebrows, it is made to cover the forehead therefore, protecting the brain. Adjust the chinstraps so the helmet stays in place if it is tugged forward or side to side. Make sure the chinstrap is always buckled. Test the chinstrap buckle so it will not shake open and test it to make sure it will not be ruined by impact. The helmet should not tilt backwards and should be tight enough that it will not move. Always replace a helmet that is five years old or has been used during a crash. Helmets need to be the appropriate size. Measure around the head just above the eyebrows and find the helmet the fits accordingly.
Head Circumference Helmet Size Nominal 20 - 1/2 inches 6 - 1/2 Toddler 20 - 3/4 inches 6 - 5/8 Small 21 - 1/4 inches 6 - 3/4 Medium 21 - 5/8 inches 6 - 7/8 Medium 22 inches 7 Medium 22 - 3/8 inches 7 - 1/8 Medium 22 - 3/4 inches 7 - 1/4 Large
|
|
|
Post by dara1012 on Jun 4, 2012 9:14:37 GMT -6
Yesterday at Grand Old Day a lot of people were on bikes w/o helmets. DS said "why are they not wearing a bike helmet? Don't they want to be safe? I guess they don't know any better." So funny to hear a 4 year old say that! we always wear helmets at my house.
I never understand when I see a parent not wearing a helmet and their child is wearing a helmet. I always say my brains are just as important as DS's and maybe even more as if I get hurt he doesn't have his mommy to take care of him.
|
|
|
Post by jlschlangen on Jun 4, 2012 9:32:58 GMT -6
Are used helmets ok to use (like ones from garage sales or thrift stores)? Dd's helmet is chipped/rips in it so is it ok still to use it.
|
|
|
Post by jrose on Jun 4, 2012 9:52:18 GMT -6
Dara..it drives me nuts when I see the kid wearing a helmet but not the parent! DH tried doing that once and he got an earful from me!
|
|
|
Post by jrose on Jun 4, 2012 9:54:13 GMT -6
Jodi- I am really not sure but I feel safer when its new and I know it hasn' t been damaged by an accident or anything.
|
|
|
Post by lilmermaid on Jun 4, 2012 10:01:15 GMT -6
Many cities also have helmet fitting clinics where they can get a proper fit and a discounted helmet. I would also feel better with a new vs a used helmet!
|
|
|
Post by ReneeW on Jun 4, 2012 10:08:50 GMT -6
Thanks, good reminder for all of us!
|
|
|
Post by elizac on Jun 4, 2012 12:00:53 GMT -6
Coming from Europe where people bike so much more and rarely if at all wear helmets, it just makes me wonder why US has such an emphasis on helmet wearing. Is it cultural (more safety oriented in the US? More lawsuits if something goes wrong?) Is it business driven? Is Europe just behind the US? Just made me think.
|
|
|
Post by lilmermaid on Jun 4, 2012 13:27:03 GMT -6
I think it's more that cars are the #1 mode of travel in the US. Drivers don't like to share the road or are so distracted they don't see the bicyclists. In Europe it's more accepted and people are used to it so probably less likely to have major accidents and head injuries.
|
|
|
Post by dara1012 on Jun 4, 2012 13:47:35 GMT -6
Dara..it drives me nuts when I see the kid wearing a helmet but not the parent! DH tried doing that once and he got an earful from me! My uncle and I were going to go on a bike ride a few years ago up at my parent's lakehouse. So you bike on the highways with cars going by at 55mph. I told him I only went on bike rides with people who wear helmets. He said "are you serious?" (he is an executive and not being told what to do by others). I said, "Yes" and he finally agreed to wear it and now always wears a helmet - he now bikes with a group and all the guys wear helmets.
|
|
|
Post by jlschlangen on Jun 4, 2012 19:38:45 GMT -6
I might have to get dd a new helmet for her birthday then. My dh doesn't wear a helmet nor does he own one. He doesn't bike very often. Kids both have one. I don't bike so I don't have one.
|
|
|
Post by sharon on Jun 4, 2012 19:42:39 GMT -6
Are used helmets ok to use (like ones from garage sales or thrift stores)? Dd's helmet is chipped/rips in it so is it ok still to use it. Your DD needs a new helmet. Like a carseat when it is crashed even if no visible damage a helmet should be replaced. Definitely if there is visible damage. And for that reason I wouldn't use a used helmet - you don't know if it's been crashed or not.
|
|
|
Post by jlschlangen on Jun 4, 2012 19:53:37 GMT -6
So true Sharon. Thanks.
|
|
Back to the Top