Why You Should Wear a Bicycle Helmet

A bicycle helmet can be a lifesaver, significantly reducing the chances of sustaining severe head injuries during an accident by up to 70 percent. For this reason, every bicyclist must have a helmet when cycling.

Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, only 18 percent of cyclists wear helmets. This has resulted in a surprisingly high number of bike-related deaths yearly, many of them due to head trauma.

Here are several reasons why you must always wear a bicycle helmet while on the road.

The Need for Bicycle Helmets

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 130,000 bicyclists are injured in road crashes annually. What is more alarming, about 1000 cyclists lose their lives in accidents.

Given these grim statistics, bicyclists must wear helmets, regardless of age or experience. This is especially true for young bicyclists and teenagers, who are disproportionately at risk for head injuries.

Some states have adopted bike helmet laws for minors to enforce the wearing of bicycle helmets. But even if your state does not have a law requiring you to wear a helmet, you should still wear it for your own safety.

Get a High-Quality Bike Helmet

With so many helmets on the market, it can be tricky to find the right one. However, when shopping for a helmet, ensure you buy one certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC-certified helmets have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet specific safety standards. Other labels that indicate a helmet is safe include the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and Snell Foundation.

In addition, you can take the protection of your head a notch higher by investing in a MIPS helmet. This helmet is designed to redirect rotational forces away from your head by tilting the outer shell slightly in different directions depending on the impact.

Wearing a Bicycle Helmet Correctly

To get the most out of a bike helmet, you must wear it correctly and ensure it fits properly. Ideally, this gear should sit snugly on the head without moving when you shake it from side to side.

Most helmets come with adjustable straps that allow you to make them tighter or looser. When adjusting the straps, ensure you leave enough room to slip a single finger between the buckle and your chin.

Lastly, test the fit of the helmet by opening your mouth wide. You should feel the helmet pull down your head, indicating a proper fit.

How to Encourage Children to Wear a Bike Helmet

It is essential to make wearing a bike helmet a habit for your children from an early age. That way, they will grow up appreciating the protection it offers.

The best way to reinforce helmet-wearing is to make it fun for your little riders. For instance, allow them to choose their own helmet with their favorite colors and designs.

You should also set an excellent example for your kids by always wearing a helmet yourself whenever you ride your bike. Most importantly, have regular discussions with your little ones about the benefits of wearing a bike helmet.

Take Appropriate Measures When You’re Injured in a Bike Accident

While taking the necessary precautions to reduce bike accidents is vital, it would also help if you learned how to approach crashes caused by negligent motorists.

“If a careless driver hits you, you have every right to file a claim for compensation and damages. But doing so can be tricky, which is why you should contact a lawyer with experience handling bicycle accident cases,” says Attorney Charles Boyk of Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC.

A bike accident attorney can guide you through the claims process and collect the necessary evidence to strengthen your case. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.