The Right Fitting Helmet
Just like choosing the right size shoe is important for running or baseball, it is important you choose a helmet that is “just right” for you and your children. Helmets are not “one-size-fits-all” and the right fit will help keep your head safe. Please watch or read one or both of the following to determine the appropriateness of fit for your child’s helmet.
Bicycle Safety Check Basics
Getting ready to go! Teach your children to do a safety check before getting on their bikes. Just like we need to make sure our race car is track worthy prior to a race, it’s also important that children follow these simple ABCs before taking off on their bikes. Before every ride, our kids should check the:
- Air in their tires
- Brakes
- Chain
Being a Model for Safety
Just like many other health-behaviors (like brushing your teeth or getting physical activity), your children depend on you to be a role model for helmet use and road safety. How can you be a role model? Get started by following these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration –
- Ride and Drive Focused—never distracted
- Ride and Drive Prepared—always expect the unexpected
- Put Safety First—we never know when a crash will occur, regardless of skill level or age; always wear a bicycle helmet when on a bicycle and a seat belt when in a car.
- Follow the Rules of the Road—a bicyclist is considered a vehicle on the road with all the rights on the roadway and responsibilities of motorized traffic
- Share the Road—both vehicle drivers (motorist and bicyclist) should look out for one another and show mutual respect
A Commitment to Helmet Safety
Why not make a commitment to helmet safety in your house? Have a discussion about the importance of helmet safety with your children, then together sign a pledge!
Source:
Safercar.gov
Does your child wear a helmet? The science is clear. Wearing a helmet decreases the chance that your child will suffer a serious head injury by up to 85%. Helmets provide the best protection against injury, whether your child is riding a bike, scooter or skateboard, or using skates. Help your child get in the habit of wearing a helmet by starting when they’re young. Be a good role model and wear a helmet yourself.