Helmet Safety
While helmet usage is on
the rise, many people –both adults and kids- still neglect to strap one
on before climbing aboard a bike, clamping on rollerblades or pushing off on a
skateboard.
The bottom line: Leaving
your helmet behind is dangerous—and potentially deadly.
Head injuries cause
three-quarters of the 800 bicycle deaths each year, according to the Bicycle
Helmet Safety Institute.
Another 82,000 people
suffer brain injuries each year while playing sports, according to the Brain
Injury Association in Alexandria, Va.
Regardless of the sport,
helmets cushion the blow of a fall, hit or other impact to the head. Nearly
all helmets are made with expanded polystyrene, the same material found in
picnic coolers. Style and construction vary by sport, and you need to
use the helmet appropriate for the activity.
Here is some guidance on
finding the proper helmet for your favorite sport.
Biking and
Rollerblading
Although one helmet will
work for both biking and rollerblading, serious skaters should consider using
a helmet that offers the best protection possible for the back of the
head—the most likely area to hit the ground.
The Consumer Product
Safety Commission says to wear the helmet low on your forehead, about two
finger widths above your eyebrows. Sit the helmet evenly between your ears and
flat on your head. Adjust the straps and pads so the helmet is snug and secure
and doesn't move up and down or side to side when the strap is tightened,
according to the CPSC.
Make certain any
attached mirrors can break away during a fall. Remove visors that can shatter
and cut your face.
Skateboarding
Unlike bike helmets,
skateboarding helmets are designed to withstand multiple blows. Helmets for
this sport are different because crashes are more frequent and less severe,
the CPSC reports.
Look for proper fit and
a sturdy chin strap. Padding should not restrict circulation and should not be
so loose that the helmet can fall off. Also, notice whether the helmet blocks
your vision and hearing.
You should also be
mindful of when to replace your helmet. Some helmets need to be replaced after
you've been in a collision. Others, such as for skateboarding, are designed
for multiple knocks. Read your helmet's instruction manual.
Parents need to
establish a "helmet habit." Children are more likely to wear helmets if their
parents do and if they're introduced to them early.
Finally, look for a
manufacturer's sticker citing compliance with the CPSC standard when buying a
helmet. You can also look for independent certification by the Snell
Memorial Foundation or the Safety Equipment Institute.
For more information
visit www.helmets.org or www.cpsc.gov.
What is written here
is not legal advice. You should consult your attorney before applying
any of this information to a specific situation.
