Choosing the right bicycle helmet is key to preventing serious injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury by as much as 88%. Choosing the right bicycle helmet for yourself and your family can help to protect you from serious injury in the event of an accident.
Approximately 630 bicyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2009 and another 51,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). An estimated 17% of those injured were under the age of 14. Bicycle helmet laws have been proven to reduce the number of bicycle accident deaths and injuries but not all states enforce these measures. Currently, just 21 states have laws regarding bicycle helmet use. In California, individuals under the age of 18 are required to wear an approved safety helmet while riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard.
If you're a parent, it's important that you enforce bicycle helmet safety rules in order to keep children safe. The NHTSA offers the following tips for choosing the right bicycle helmet.
- Sizing - The NHTSA recommends measuring your child's head in order to ensure proper fit. The helmet should rest snugly on the head and not rock back and forth or from side to side.
- Positioning - The helmet should sit level on the head, leaving a space of only one to two finger widths above the eyebrows.
- Fastening - When securing the helmet, make sure that the left buckle is centered under the chin and the side straps form a "V" shape in front of the ears. The chin strap should be buckled so that the helmet is snug but not overly tight.
- Final check - Once the helmet is secured, check to make sure that it stays in place as your child moves his or head. If the helmet rocks from side to side or slides forward, you may need to make additional adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
In addition to choosing a helmet that fits correctly, you also need to make sure the one you select meets federal safety standards. The Mayo Clinic recommends choosing a helmet that bears a seal of approval from organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
Replace your helmet if it becomes damaged or if you've involved in a bicycle accident. Routinely check the helmet for signs of wear and to ensure that it still fits correctly. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to rent a bicycle helmet, inspect it carefully for damage and do not ride with a helmet that does not fit properly.
Following these simple safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a bicycle accident. Should an accident occur through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. An experienced California bicycle accident lawyer can help you to determine whether you have a case.
Nadrich & Cohen, LLP represents bicycle accident victims and their families in cities throughout California, including San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information on filing a bicycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.
