During the spring and summer, there is nothing better than a long bike ride. It can be a great way to spend time with your family and get some fresh air. But it can mean tragedy if you or your child gets into a bicycle accident.
The personal injury attorneys at RSH Legal want your family to stay safe. Before you send the kids outside, buy them a bicycle helmet that offers the most protection.
Set an Example in Bicycle Helmet Safety
It’s important that you set a good example by wearing a helmet whenever you’re on a bike. This way, your child learns to wear their helmet when they’re supposed to by watching you.
Another way to make sure your child wears their helmet whenever they ride is by getting them their helmet early in life. As soon as they are ready to get on a bike, go try on some helmets. Any competent bike shop should have a salesperson that can help you pick the right size helmet for any head size.
Use the tips below to make an informed decision about buying bike helmets for your family:
Make Sure Your Helmet is Comfortable
For you or your child to wear a helmet consistently, it must be comfortable. If it feels like an itchy box when it’s on, neither of you will bother to wear it. The padding and the ventilation can be very different between bike helmets, so try on a variety to see which one works best.
Your Helmet Should Fit Snugly
When in an accident, the helmet should protect both the forehead and the back of the skull. One of the biggest problems with improper helmet fit is wearing it too loose and tilting it back while riding, exposing the forehead. A properly sized helmet should not allow the wearer to tilt it back. This can be dangerous if someone tumbles off their bike. Make sure it fits snugly.
That’s a Good-Looking Helmet!
While not nearly as important as safety, this may seem the most important to your child. Remember, if your child doesn’t like it, they won’t wear it, so take that into consideration when purchasing. One way to make their helmet one of a kind is to decorate and personalize the helmet with stickers, glitter, or other crafts.
Is Your Helmet Up to Standard?
Make sure the helmet meets at least the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) benchmark standard. Even better, try looking for the Snell logo. The Snell standards for helmets are the most demanding set of tests a helmet can pass. You can find this information on the helmet box, or ask your salesperson.
You Get What You Pay For (Mostly)
Invest a little money into your helmet purchase if it will help you or your child wear it. Avoid the cheapest helmet on the shelf if it does not have the proper size, comfort, and ventilation that you need. Most studies show the safety factors are not directly linked to the cost of the helmet, and you can find a reasonably-priced yet safe helmet with some research.
When Should You Replace a Helmet?
If a helmet has been in an accident, you must replace it. Even if it has not been in an accident, it is recommended to replace a helmet once every five years due to normal wear and tear. If your child outgrows their helmet, it will obviously need to be replaced. One emergency room bill or even a “minor” brain injury are much more costly than investing in a good helmet once every five years.
From all the personal injury attorneys at RSH Legal, safe riding this spring and summer. Get out there and enjoy!
