USA Health offers helmet safety tips for children (and adults)
Less than half of children ages 14 and under wear helmets. Some common reasons for not wearing helmets include discomfort, a perceived lack of necessity, or the belief that a given activity is not dangerous.
By Milena Mata
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Each year, more than 426,000 children – nearly 50 every hour – are treated in emergency departments for injuries related to bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
Head injuries are one of the most common and serious causes for ED visits, which is why it is so important for children to always wear helmets.
Research shows a properly fitted helmet can reduce the chance of head injuries by 85% with bikes and skateboards, said Courtney Thomson, RNC-NIC, pediatric outreach education coordinator at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
Similarly, helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use by 40% and non-fatal brain injuries by at least 60%.
Unfortunately, the reality is less than half of children ages 14 and under wear helmets. Some common reasons for not wearing helmets include discomfort, a perceived lack of necessity, or the belief that a given activity is not dangerous.
And while wearing a helmet is vital, it’s also crucial to ensure that helmets are worn properly.
Follow these tips for wearing a safety helmet:
- A helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead.
- The straps should adjust to form a “V” shape under the ears, fitting securely under the chin without rocking side to side.
- Helmets should generally be replaced every five years or after a crash.
- To make sure your helmet meets proper guidelines, check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Remember, these rules don’t apply only to children, Thomson said. Parents and other adults can serve as role models for children by wearing helmets properly and consistently, always enforcing safety rules.
