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Bike Safety Helmets |
How can you tell if a helmet is safe or "approved?"
People should use only helmets which meet bicycle helmet safety standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. All helmets meeting these standards have labels on the outside or inside stating that they meet one or both of them.
Do all bike helmets meet the standards?
Beware! The standards are not mandatory. Not all helmets available in shops or purchased in past years meet either standards. Some are filled with squishy, soft padding which do not provide good crash protection. Don't buy or use a helmet unless it has a label stating that it meets the "ANSI" or "Snell" standard.
What about using helmets intended for other sports or uses, like motorcycle, football, hockey, or mountaineering helmets or construction hard hats?
Each type of helmet is designed for protection in specific conditions and may not protect in bike crashes or falls. It is not advisable to wear the incorrect type of helmet for any of those uses. Bike helmets are very protective in headfirst falls at fairly high speed, as well as being light and well ventilated for comfort and acceptability.
Where can consumers get helmets?
Helmets meeting the safety standards are available at bicycle shops and at some discount department and toy stores in adult and children's sizes and styles.
What are the merits of the two types of helmets: "Hard Shell" and "Soft Shell"?
The essential part of the helmet for impact protection is a thick layer of firm Styrofoam called polystyrene, that crushes on impact. CI "Hard Shell" helmets also have a hard outer shell of plastic or fiberglass that provides a shield against penetration of sharp objects and holds the polystyrene together if it cracks in a fall or crash. The "soft shell" helmets have no hard outer shell but are made of an extra-thick layer of polystyrene covered with a cloth cover or a surface coating. The cloth cover is an essential part of many soft shell helmets. If the helmet comes with a cover, the cover must always be worn to hold the helmet together if the polystyrene cracks on impact. While there is no consensus on the relative safety of the two types, models of both types have passed the ANSI and/or Snell tests. The soft shell helmets are lighter than the hard shell versions.
Are there helmets for preschoolers?
Yes. Many small helmets are of the soft shell variety. They are light, minimizing the weight for small children whose necks may not be strong enough to hold up a hard shell helmet comfortably. These usually have a tough outer surface coating instead of a cloth cover. Helmets (and bike travel) are not suitable for babies under age one, whose neck structure is very weak; and the use of bike carriers for toddlers is not recommended.
Can a helmet be re-used after a crash?
Any helmet that has been used in a serious crash in which the polystyrene liner has cracked or been crushed should be retired with gratitude. It has served its purpose and will not provide adequate protection in another crash. If you are uncertain whether the helmet is still usable, return it to a bike shop or the manufacturer for examination.
How should a helmet fit?
A helmet should be worn squarely on top of the head, covering the top of the forehead. If it is tipped back, it will not protect the forehead. The helmet fits well if it doesn't move around on the head or slide down over the wearers' eyes when pushed and pulled. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly.
How long will a child's helmet fit?
Unlike a pair of shoes, a toddler or child helmet should fit for at least several years or even more. Most models have removable fitting-pads that can be replaced with thinner ones as the child's head grows.
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