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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Protective Head Gear |
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Each day thousands of children are hurt or killed as the result of bicycle accidents. Serious head injuries can be avoided with an inexpensive piece of equipment: a bike helmet. Wearing a bike helmet can save lives. The risk of a head injury can be cut by 85%, and the risk of brain injury, cut by 90%, when wearing a properly fitted helmet. In order for a helmet to work effectively, it must fit properly. The helmet should fit level on the head, extending as far down as possible. It should be no more than two finger widths above the eyebrows. A snug fit is very important. It should be the smallest size helmet that will fit your child comfortably. Never buy a helmet with the idea that your child will grow into it. The helmet should fit when purchased. A properly fitted helmet should fit your child for two or three years. Different brands of helmet vary, but all have five basic elements, the shell, the inside sizing pads, the front strap, the rear strap and the chin strap with buckle. Making adjustments in these elements will provide for a correct fit. It is easy to fit the helmet properly by following these five basic steps. First measure the child's head according to the manufacturers' directions to choose the correct size. Each helmet comes with an assortment of foam pads which fit the crown, sides and back of the helmet. Second, insert the pads in these four locations. Check the fit by rocking the helmet side to side and front to back. If it is too tight, you will need to use the thinner pads. If the helmet is too loose, exchange the pads for ticker ones. You might also use a combination of thin and thick pads. Once the helmet fits properly, you are ready to move to step three: adjusting the helmet straps. The straps should be level and fit snugly. The front and rear straps should form a V on both sides of the helmet coming together right under the child's ears. The helmet should not tilt backward or forward when the straps are tightened and should only move about an inch when pushed from front to back. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions on tightening straps. he fourth step is to test the fit of the helmet. Do this by having your child shake his head from side to side and front to back. If the helmet moves you must move to step five which is fine tuning the fit of the helmet. Choose thinner or thicker pads or tighten the straps. The chin strap should feel tight when the child opens his mouth. No more than one finger should fit between the closed jaw and the chin strap. As the child grows, check the tightness of his helmet. When necessary, change the size of the pads or buy a larger helmet when needed. Remember that helmets should be worn on every bike ride, regardless, if it is in the driveway or around the block. All children under 14 years old are required by law to wear a helmet. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
