Every child should be taught to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard. Understanding the consequences associated with a head injury will likely motivate you to learn more about the importance of using a safe, well-fitted helmet to protect your kids while participating in these sports.
Consequences
A hard hit to the head resulting from a fall off a bicycle and onto concrete can cause a serious brain injury. Some of the more grave consequences of a serious brain injury include coma, chronic headaches, loss of senses, paralysis, seizures and verbal problems. Head injuries can result in permanent brain damage.
Standards
Bicycle helmets must meet the high of safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC. The American Society for Testing Materials, ASTM, offers a voluntary set of safety standards that manufacturers can voluntarily meet when developing a bicycle helmet. ASTM certified products are self-tested by the manufacturer and not the ASTM. The Snell Memorial Foundation also offers a safety certification for products. Manufacturers must submit these products to Snell where they are rigorously tested to meet their high safety standards.
Fit
Correct fit of a bicycle helmet requires an approximate measurement of your child's head. The helmet should fit securely on your child's head so that even when unbuckled it will not tip side to side. Sizing pads can be used to enhance the fit of a helmet, allowing you to remove the padding as your child's head grows. Likewise, some helmets are equipped with an adjustable ring that can be tightened or loosened using a dial. The helmet should be the correct size, covering your child's forehead, leaving space to fit two fingers above your child's eyebrows. The helmet should sit perpendicular, not tipping sideways. The bike helmet should be fastened snugly, allowing only enough room for two fingers to fit between the strap and child's chin.
Considerations
To maintain the effectiveness of any helmet, you need to treat it carefully. Defects, cracks or imperfections can reduce its ability to absorb an impact. Reserve a place near your bicycles to safely store your children's bike helmets when not in use. Teach your children to respect their helmets and not toss them around or use as a toy. Bike helmets should be replaced after any serious blows to ensure your child's safety.
Good Example
Children are great imitators. If you make a commitment to wearing a helmet every time you engage in a dangerous sport, like riding a bicycle, they will see your good example and likewise wear a helmet more willingly. Your dedication to safety will help your children understand the seriousness of the situation.
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