Getting into the Helmet Habit

 

BE SURE YOU'RE COVERED!
California requires persons under 18 years of age wear a helmet that meets either the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or ASTM standards while using a:

 

Bicycle Helmets - Wearing one can save your life!
Helmets are intended for use by children and adults alike. Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%. Most deaths related to bicycle falls and collisions involve head injuries. Bicycle helmets also offer head protection for sports like in-line skating, roller skating and riding a scooter; wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are also highly recommended.

Like any helmet, bicycle helmets must fit properly to be effective. See if your bicycle helmet provides you optimal head protection and meets these guidelines for a perfect fit:

  1. Your helmet should sit low on your forehead, 2 finger widths above your eyebrows.
  2. Your helmet should sit evenly between your ears and flat on your head.
  3. Tighten the chin strap and adjust the sizing pads inside so the helmet feels snug and secure and doesn't move up and down or side to side.
  4. ALWAYS ride with your chin strap fastened. Wearing a helmet that isn't secured is the same as not wearing a helmet at all.

Helmets for Other Recreational Activities
When worn properly, helmets have been proven to significantly reduce head injuries for numerous sports and recreational activities like:

Those who skateboard, perform trick or freestyle skating, operate all-terrain vehicles, horseback ride or snow ski should purchase helmets designed specifically for these activities that meet safety standards for these sports. Helmets designed for these sports cover more of the head, especially in the back.

For more information about helmets, please click on the following links: