Preventing Head Injuries Through Bicycle Helmet Care

I’m Ed Smith, an Oakley Bicycle Accident Lawyer. Going for a helmet-less ride on your bike can feel amazingly refreshing until you fall and hit your head on the ground beneath you. In reality, the extent of head damage that can result from a bicycle accident can be quite severe – we’re talking about concussions, edemas, skull fractures, and other life-threatening head traumas.

There is a simple measure to prevent your chances of head injury: wear a helmet! They may not be high-fashion, but they provide you with protection that could save a life. A 2016 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported 424 fatal accidents where bicyclists wear riding without a helmet, whereas bikers that were equipped with a helmet had a dramatically reduced rate of fatalities – only 137 accidents. Additionally, a study shown at the Safety 2016 World Conference in Finland revealed that helmets may reduce the chances of head trauma by almost 70%!

Helmet Fit Tips

Don’t just scavenger through your garage to find any old helmet, as this will offer you minimal protection in risky situations. Buying a helmet that fits your head perfectly is a worthwhile investment. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on finding the perfect fit:

There are an enormous amount of head shapes, which could make the try-on process tedious. Measure your head ahead of time to narrow down your search.
Helmets should cover your forehead and the top of your head. A proper fit should only go one or two fingers above your eyebrows.
Your helmet should give you a small amount of wiggle room. Make sure that you can comfortably move forward, backward, and side-to-side.
When buckled, the right helmet should make a V-shape underneath your earlobes. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap.
Make sure to choose a helmet that provides you with ample ventilation and is relatively light in weight.

Helmet Care Tips

Like most products, you want to put your money towards something that will last. When you clean your helmet, go to the manufacturer’s website to find detailed cleaning instructions tailored to your helmet. Make sure you are treating it with the same amount of care that you do your bike. Here are some tips from Consumer Reports on proper helmet care:

When it is not in use, store your helmet in an adequate place. Avoid leaving it in the trunk of your car. It is generally recommended to keep your helmet in a dry, cool environment.
Do not allow your helmet to be exposed to harmful chemicals such as ammonia, paint, and bleach. Such chemicals can damage the foam and plastic shell of the helmet.
Be cautious when adding accessories to your helmet, like a GoPro or other action cameras/recorders. They may be a fun way to record your action-packed memories, but helmets are prone to damage from the adhesive mounts and straps that are built into these products.

More by Oakley Bicycle Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith:

Oakley Bicycle Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, an Oakley Bicycle Accident Lawyer. Anyone that has gotten into a bicycle accident is aware of the severe injuries that can result from the collision. You can face rehabilitation, temporary inability to work, and pricey medical bills. Call me at (925)-428-5220 or (800)-404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. If you prefer online communication, head over to www.autoaccident.com.

I love my work as an injury lawyer and have spent the last three and a half decades committed to handling personal injury and wrongful death claims.

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I am a Million Dollar Advocate.

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Preventing Head Injuries Through Bicycle Helmet Care