Bicycling is a popular recreational and competitive activity that is generally safe as long as the rider stays aware of his surroundings and rides carefully, but accidents still occur, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 500,000 people are sent to the hospital each year from bicycle-related injuries, many of whom are children. To address this problem, helmets are continually being promoted as essential pieces of equipment when riding a bicycle, and some states have laws requiring them.
Helmet Laws
Whether bicycle helmets are required by law depends on the state in which you are riding. As of 2010, no state requires helmets for all ages, but 22 have laws requiring children to wear helmets when riding a bicycle. In general, most states that have bicycle legislation in place require helmets for children 15 and younger, with some states requiring helmets for those as old as 17 and others like Louisiana lowering the age to as young as 11.
Purpose of a Helmet
A helmet provides protection to both the exterior and interior of your head. Helmets consist of a hard outer shell with an interior layer of padding. The exterior shell protects the outer skin from scrapes and injuries, commonly referred to as road rash, while the interior provides a layer of padding to help absorb the impact from falls, helping prevent injury to the skull and brain.
Types of Injuries Prevented
Bicycle-related injuries and death in the United States cost $4 billion in direct and indirect health costs each year, according to Bicyclinginfo.org. Injuries from bicycles can be as simple as a cut or scrape to serious brain injuries resulting in concussions, brain damage and even death. The CDC reports that there were 700 deaths in 2009 alone from bicycle accidents.
Choosing a Helmet
Not all helmets are alike. Look for helmets that have been certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American National Standards Institute. The bicycle helmet should fit correctly: MayoClinic.com suggests that the helmet should fit snugly, with no more than an inch of movement when moving the helmet left to right or front to back. If your helmet comes with sizing pads, they can be used to customize the helmet to get a better fit.
Member Comments