Helmet Safety

Florida

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 about 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 on 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.