I am beginning to have students come to my office asking me to check on injuries that they sustained at home while riding their bikes and skateboards. I am concerned that so few of our students report wearing a helmet. Each year, thousands of children are seriously injured from bike falls and crashes that could have been prevented. Chidren, ages 6 to 12, are at the greatest risk for bike accidents. Injury to the head is the most serious result.
Your child might not think that helmets are "cool." You might think they cost too much. But a helmet can save a child from a serious head injury in a fall or collision. Experts say that 80 percent of bicycle deaths and most serious head injuries could be avoided if all cyclists wore protective helmets.
But it's not enough to simply
buy and wear one - you need to make sure it fits properly. The
helmet should sit evenly between the ears and rest low on your
forehead - it should be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrows.
Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really
snug. Tighten the chin strap as snugly as possible.
One last thought - children copy adults. If you ride, wear a helmet!