Bike Helmets

Protecting children while they are at play is very important. Each year more than 200 children are killed in bike-related incidents. Most of the injuries and fatalities involved the child's head because children are "top heavy" until age 6 or 7 so they are more likely to land on their head. Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

 

· 356,000 children under age 15 were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for bike-related injuries in 1996  

· Helmets should be used on scooters, wagons, roller skates, roller blades, and Hot Wheels.  

· Children should wear elbow and knee pads to help prevent further injuries.  

 

How to choose a helmet

 

· Make sure it meets the standards: Look for the ASTM sticker inside the helmet.  

· Make sure it fits: A good fit means that with the straps adjusted, the helmet is level on the head, touching all around, comfortably snug but not tight. You should not be able to move a well-fitted helmet in any direction. Use the sizing pads for a comfortable fit and take time to adjust the straps.  

· Parents should bring their child's helmet to day care or be sure the daycare provider has helmets available for children to use while in their care.

 

Related Web sites:

Prorider Inc.:     http://www.prorider.com/
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute:   http://www.bhsi.org/webdocs/stats.htm

 

 

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