Wear a Helmet, Save a Life
Bicycling for recreation is becoming increasingly popular with more people commuting to and from work and as a recreational activity as more people are at home during this time. With more popularity comes a greater exposure for bicycle accidents and deaths.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a total of 854 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2018 - a 7% increase from the 800 killed in 2017. Helmet use has been estimated to reduce the odds of a head injury by 50%. The first, and easiest, step in helping prevent bicycle deaths and injuries is to actually wear a helmet, but how do you know what helmet to purchase?
According to the Cleveland Clinic Health site, the following steps can help ensure you have the proper helmet in place:
- When the chin strap is buckled, a bicycle helmet should have a snug but comfortable fit. You should not be able to move the helmet from side to side or up and down.
- The helmet should sit level on the head (not tilted back) and rest low on the forehead.
- The bottom edge of the helmet should be 1 to 2 finger widths above the eyebrow.
- Another technique to check proper positioning: your eyes should be able to see the very edge of the helmet when looking upward.
- The straps of the helmet need to be even and should form a "Y" that comes together right at the bottom of the earlobe. The straps should be snug against the head.
- The buckled chin strap should leave only enough room to allow one finger to be inserted between the buckle and chin. When opening your mouth, you should be able to feel the helmet pull down on your head.
Having and wearing a bicycle helmet is an important step in reducing or even preventing bicycle injuries. Be sure to wear your helmet to set a good example for your children, grandchildren, and all those in your community the next time you hop on your Schwinn! If you have questions regarding proper use and fit, we suggest consulting with your local bicycle shop for a professional opinion. Be safe and enjoy your next ride!
