Wearing a bicycle helmet helps prevent serious head and brain injuries during a bicycle accident. Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes, according to Safe Kids USA. Buying a well-constructed helmet and wearing it consistently when biking can reduce the chance that an accident will result in a serious head injury.
Identification
Bicycle helmets consist of a layer of stiff polystyrene foam next to the cyclist's head. The foam layer is covered by a thin plastic layer. This plastic layer helps the helmet slide across pavement, helping to prevent neck injuries that can occur if the neck is jerked during the accident. During an accident, the foam helps absorb the impact of the crash, preventing the head from being exposed to hard surfaces that can cause an injury.
Choosing a Helmet
The helmet should be rounded with no sharp projections that could cause the helmet to snag on low branches or other obstructions. Helmets constructed with pointed tails at the back of the head are not noticeably faster, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Landing on the tail end of this type of helmet can cause the entire helmet to shift on the head. While small openings in the helmet can make the helmet feel cooler, too many vents should be avoided. A large number of vents reduces the amount of foam that is in contact with the head. Lighter helmets are easier for drivers to see in the dark and should be used if the rider plans to cycle in the evening.
Wearing a Helmet
The helmet should be worn level on the top of the head, with the front of the helmet covering the forehead. The helmet should move slightly forward and backward, but it should not be so loose that sideways movement is possible. According to Safe Kids USA, children who wear their helmets tipped back on their heads have a 52 percent greater risk of head injury than children who wear helmets centered on their heads. Chin straps must be tight enough that one finger can fit between the strap and skin, and the chin strap splitter should be positioned just under the ears. The chin strap splitter is the Y-shaped portion of the strap that extends from the base of the helmet over the ears. Straps should lie flat against the skin without twisting. Thicker straps may be more comfortable than thin straps.
Safety Standards
Helmets manufactured for use in the United States are required to meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Helmets that meet these standards will contain a sticker inside the helmet.
Warning
While wearing a bicycle helmet is an important way to reduce head injuries, understanding the rules of the road can further reduce injuries. Cyclists should stop at stop signs and lights, ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic and look to the right and left before entering a road. Children should be closely supervised while riding bicycles and should not be permitted to ride on a street or road until they have demonstrated that they understand safe bicycling techniques and rules.
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