All Heads Need Helmets

Bicycle crashes are one of the most common causes of sports and recreational injuries. More than 1,000 people die annually in America from bicycle injuries—with as many as 75 percent of deaths being caused by head trauma. Each year, brain injuries permanently disable 7,000–9,000 American bicyclists. The real tragedy is that head trauma doesn’t have to happen.

Research shows that bike helmets may reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. Helmets work by absorbing and distributing the impact of the crash before reaching the brain. A bicyclist must wear a helmet on every bike trip. Here are some tips for choosing and wearing bicycle helmets:

• Look for a helmet label with ANSI, ASTM, or Snell. These labels note that the helmet has passed a safety standard.
• Choose a properly sized helmet. The helmet should fit snugly and feel comfortable.
• The front straps should be vertical and in front of the ear (see manufacturing instructions).
• The helmet lip should fit about one inch above the eyebrow. That is about the width of two fingers.
• Helmet should be level, front to rear and side to side.
• Never buy a helmet for a child to grow into—it needs to fit properly at the time of purchase.

Wearing a helmet just makes sense. Remember, wearing an approved bicycle helmet is the best prevention for brain injury. Never ride without one! For more information about bicycle helmets, contact your local county Extension agent, or call the Passenger Safety Office at (979) 458-3428.