I remember when I first heard that there was a law in my area that we had to wear bicycle helmets. I recall thinking that it was so stupid. When we were kids we never wore anything like that, and I can also remember all the close calls and head injures we suffered as well. However after awhile, I have since learned it is not so stupid after all. In fact, now I never ride my bike without one. However it is important you choose the correct one.
Wearing a bicycle helmet has been shown to reduce serious head injuries by 85%
39% of deaths from cycling injuries occur in children under the age of 15.
Even a low speed fall on a bicycle path can cause a serious head injury!
There are different types of helmets for different sports and activities. This is because different sports cause different types of injuries. It is therefore important when choosing a bicycle helmet to make sure that it is specifically designed for cycling (not other sports, or activities, etc) otherwise, you may not get the type of protection you need.
Check and make sure that the helmet has a certification label from one of the following organizations: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell, The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), and The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A certification label indicates that the helmet has been tested to withstand certain levels of impact giving you the best protection that is available.
Helmets should have adequate vents to allow for airflow to the head. Avoid helmets with extremely pointed shapes, inadequate or excessive vents, thin straps, and complicated adjustments. Keep it simple to use and safe at the same time. Here is the most important thing, make Sure Your Helmet Fits! When you place your helmet on your head, it should sit low. The brim of the helmet should be about two fingers width (1-2 cm) above the eyebrows. The helmet should not be tilted forwards or backwards, or able to move excessively around while on your head. The chinstraps should go over both ears in the shape of a V. The ear should be in the middle of the V. The chinstrap should be secure around the chin, with room for one finger to fit between the strap and the chin.
In the event of a crash, replace your helmet. Looking at the helmet you may not see damage, but the inner lining may have been destroyed. Cracks or dents mean that you need a new helmet. When a helmet is five years old, it needs to be replaced because the material naturally weakens over time. Lets face it you may only need that helmet once, but it is all that may separate you from a serious head injury or death.