Hip Helmets
Bike Helmets and the Art of ‘Cool'
These days wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is an absolute necessity.
With more drivers and increased traffic, the roads are much more dangerous than
ever before.
Peer pressure can actually be a safety hazard for children who ride a bicycle to and from
school. A bike helmet—the most effective way to prevent bike-related injuries, disabilities
and deaths, is often rejected by kids because it could "mess up their hair," or it "looks
stupid," or because it isn't worn by classmates. Unfortunately, kids still worry about what
other kids think of them and, if friends think that wearing a bike helmet is not "cool",
then most kids won't wear one.
But a bike helmet is essential to your child's safety. In 1990, an estimated 350,000
children aged 14 and under were injured in bike related accidents. One in seven of
these children suffered head injuries. The wearing of bike helmets has been shown to
reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and the risk of brain injury by almost 90%.
So, how does a safety conscious parent convince a son or daughter to wear a bike helmet
on every ride in spite of peer pressure? The Minnesota SAFE KIDS Coalition and the
National SAFE KIDS Campaign offer the following tips to help convince your child to
wear a bike helmet.
-
Encourage helmet use before "being cool" matters. Bike helmet experts
suggest putting helmets on children when they begin as bike passengers, and
especially when they begin riding tricycles. If children get in the habit of
wearing a helmet before the age of 7, it may be more acceptable for them to wear
a helmet later. In fact, helmet advocates have found that pre-school age children
think that bike helmets are "fun hats" that they would wear happily.
-
Be a role model.Younger children are strongly influenced by the example
of their parents and older siblings. Establish a household rule that applies to
everyone: if you ride a bicycle, you wear a helmet.
-
Help organize a one-time helmet purchase at your child's school. The
excitement of every child getting a helmet makes it "uncool" not to wear one. In
addition, parent groups can negotiate for a discount rate from a helmet manufacturer,
making certain that no child is denied protection because of cost.
-
Take your children and several friends to pick out helmets together.
Brightly-colored helmets that come with decorative stickers are available.
Allowing a child to choose his or her own "style" will help ensure that the
helmet is worn.Also, by having your child select a helmet with friends, your
child will be more inclined to use it and feel part of a "cool" group.
-
Promote bicycle helmet use among other parents and caregivers. Many parents
and caregivers do not realize the risk of serious head injury from a collision,
nor the effectiveness of helmets in reducing that risk. By educating one another,
parents ensure that rules are consistent from household to household, thereby
relieving peer pressure.
-
Be prepared to take a stand when peer pressure is working against helmet use.
Be firm with your children. Do not back down or change your mind about helmets. Make
it clear that if they do not wear a helmet, they cannot ride their bike.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Helmets
The essential part of the helmet for impact is a thick layer of firm styrofoam,
called polystyrene, that crushes on impact.
Hard shell helmets also have a hard outer shell of plastic or fiberglass that provides
a shield against penetration of sharp objects and holds the polystyrene together if it
cracks in a fall or crash.
Soft shell helmets have no hard outer shell but are made of an extra-thick
layer of polystyrene covered with a cloth cover or a surface coating. The cloth
cover is an essential part of many soft shell helmets. If the helmet comes with
a cover, the cover must always be worn to hold the helmet together if the
polystyrene crack on impact.
While there is no consensus on the relative safety of the two types, models of both
types have passed the ANSI and/or Snell tests. The soft shell helmets are lighter
than the hard shell versions.
Choosing a Helmet
Spending money for a good bicycle helmet is an investment in your child's life and
future. Remember that a good helmet will last for years, as long as it's not abused
or involved in a crash. Bicycle shops usually carry the best selection of bicycle
helmets in different price ranges; you may also find helmets in sporting goods stores,
toy stores, department stores and discount stores.
-
Make sure it meets standards. Though style and price are important
features, protection outweighs all other considerations when buying a helmet.
The good news is that as of April 1999, all bike helmets are inspected by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), so you won't find one in the stores
that's unsafe. You can also look for a sticker or other indication that the
helmet meets the ANSI, SNELL or ASTM standard.
-
Make sure your child likes it.It is a lot easier to get your child to
wear a helmet if he or she helped pick it out and likes it.
-
Make sure it fits. Proper fit ensures that the helmet will be in place
when it is most needed. Be sure to get the right size and try it on before buying.
How a helmet fits is important. If your child's helmet doesn't fit properly it will
be harder to get him/her to wear it and it may not protect him/her in a crash.
A good-fitting helmet . . .
- Is snug but not so tight it's uncomfortable.
- Should touch your head at the crown, sides, front and back
-
Should sit squarely on top of the head in a level position and cover the top
of the forehead extending down to about an inch above the eyebrows. (Your child
should be able to see the front rim of the helmet when he/she looks up.)
- Shouldn't move when you shake your head or push from sides, front or back.
To ensure a proper fit, your helmet comes equipped with several features that will allow
you to fine-tune the fit. If it still doesn't fit, purchase a smaller helmet.
-
Pads: Most helmets come with an assortment of pads that can be inserted in the
front, back, sides and crown of the helmet with Velcro-like fasteners. Some pads
attach with adhesive; others come already glued down.
-
Adjustable Straps: Helmets also have adjustable straps to help you
keep the helmet level and secure. Adjust the straps according to the manufacturer's
instructions. With the chin strap buckled, the helmet shouldn't move when you shake
your head or push from sides, front, or back.
For more information about proper fit, visit the
Department of Transportation Web site.
To prolong the life of a helmet, it is best to properly wear and maintain it. Always treat
your helmet as if your life depended on it . . . because it could.
-
Be careful about using paint or stickers on helmets. Some paints and stickers
can damage your helmet. Check the information inside the helmet or the box it came in to
determine what is and is not safe to put on the helmet. Some helmets include decals that
are safe to use. Bike shops may also sell bright reflective stickers or tape.
-
Clean helmets with gentle soap and warm water. Do not use petroleum-based
solvents or cleansers or automotive wax to clean or polish your helmet. These chemicals
can damage the helmet, even though the damage might not be visible. Always use
water-soluble cleansers.
-
Treat helmets with respect and care. A helmet is built to be strong, but
excessive abuse can damage it. This is particularly true of the new lightweight,
soft-shell helmets. Don't toss or kick it around; the helmet could be damaged if it
rolls or falls. If your child is hard on toys and equipment, consider one of the
hard-shell helmets. Do not keep you helmet inside the car or in the trunk on hot
summer days. High temperatures can damage the helmet. When you are not wearing your
helmet, store it in the box it came in or on a shelf or rack.
-
Remember helmets aren't forever. Many manufacturers recommend that you
replace your helmet after three to five years. Even though your helmet may look
fine after this length of time, many factors, such as frequency of use, how well
it's been cared for, and normal uses and abuses can affect its ability to protect.
Replace any helmet with worn or frayed straps immediately.
A helmet must be replaced after any crash that involves being hit on the head. The
foam part of a helmet is made for one-time use, and after crushing once, it can lose
its protective capacity, even if it still looks intact. If you have any concerns
about the effectiveness of your helmet, have it inspected by the manufacturer.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that children should not wear bike
helmets when playing, especially on playground equipment. CPSC has reports of two
strangulation deaths to children when their bike helmets became stuck in openings on
playground equipment, resulting in hanging. CPSC also has reports of four cases where no
injury occurred. In two of these cases the children were climbing trees, and in the other
two cases the children were on playground equipment.
Children should always wear helmets while riding their bikes. But when a child gets off
the bike, take off the helmet. There is a "hidden hazard" of strangulation if a child
wears a helmet while playing on playground equipment.
FAQ's About Helmets
Helmets save lives. Many people believe that they ride safely and don't need a helmet. However, accidents are unpredictable and can happen anywhere. Often the victim of the accident is not at fault.
To prevent head injuries, children must wear helmets whenever they ride on bicycles. Youngsters will learn the helmet habits best if they begin wearing helmets when they first start riding tricycles or bicycles.
Helmets are sized to fit most children over age one. Babies do not have neck muscles strong enough to support a helmet. Toddlers may not be able to support the weight of a hardshell helmet that weighs 7 to 14 ounces, but lighter toddler helmets are available. If in doubt, ask your physician for advice on whether or not your child's neck is able to support the additional weight of a helmet. If your child is not ready for a helmet, he or she is NOT ready to go bicycling, even in a child carrier with a high-back seat or in a trailer.
Helmets that provide adequate protection are labeled to show that they meet the ANSI, Snell, or ASTM standard. A child's helmet should meet all of the safety criteria of an adult helmet.
Children should always wear helmets while riding their bikes or other wheeled sports such as inline skating. But when a child gets off the bike, take off the helmet. There is a "hidden hazard" of strangulation if a child wears a helmet while playing on playground equipment.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that children should not wear bike helmets when playing, especially on playground equipment. CPSC has reports of two strangulation deaths to children when their bike helmets became stuck in openings on playground equipment, resulting in hanging. CPSC also has reports of four cases where no injury occurred. In two of these cases the children were climbing trees, and in the other two cases the children were on playground equipment.
Unlike a pair of shoes, a toddler's or child's helmet should fit for at least several years or even more. Most models have removable fitting-pads that can be replaced with thinner ones as the child's head grows.
Many manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet after three to five years. Even though your helmet may look fine after this length of time, many factors, such as frequency of use, how well it's been cared for, and normal uses and abuses can affect its ability to protect. Replace any helmet with worn or frayed straps immediately.
A helmet must be replaced after any crash that involves being hit on the head. The foam part of a helmet is made for one-time use, and after crushing once, it can lose its protective capacity, even if it still looks intact. If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of your helmet, have it inspected by the manufacturer.
Any helmet that has been used in a serious crash in which the polystyrene liner has cracked or been crushed should be retired with gratitude. It has served its purpose and will not provide adequate protection in another crash. If you are uncertain whether the helmet is still usable, return it to a bike shop or the manufacturer for examination.