As you get ready to head out for a bike ride, you need to make sure that you have the proper safety equipment. One of the most important pieces of gear you need is a good helmet. But how do you find the right one?
Know this data going in. A helmet can reduce the chances of a major head injury by up to 50% and a major injury to the head, face and neck by up to 33%. If you already have a helmet you love and think your okay, remember that the protective liner of the helmet can degrade after several years. Just because it was perfect five years ago doesn’t mean that it is up to the task of helping you today. So why wouldn’t you want to make sure that you and your kids have the best helmet possible?
When picking out a helmet, you want to make sure that the helmet has been tested for ventilation, fit, adjustments, use, and other features. The big need for any helmet are successful impact trials. If your helmet has been in one accident, then it is time to replace the helmet. The protective foam liner in the helmet was designed to protect your head in a single crash. If the helmet has been used once, then you need a new helmet. All good helmets have been through impact trials to see what kinds of stresses the head will experience in a crash. You want to find a helmet that has a superior crash rating for your safety.
A great new technology in helmet design is the use of the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). MIPS is a thin liner present in the helmet outside of the padding that allows the padding to slide on the head letting the helmet move and better distribute the force of the accident. If the helmet remained in a single place, the padding would help, but the force of the accident could still be transferred to the head and neck creating a debilitating injury. MIPS’ ability to slide transfers this impact force even more resulting in better chances of escaping an accident without a major injury. MIPS helmets cost on average $20 more than helmets without MIPS, but the technology could be beneficial in helping prevent additional injuries like concussions.
The other major factor in finding the right helmet is proper fit. If the helmet doesn’t stay in place during a crash, then what is the point of even wearing the helmet, right? The perfect helmet will fit snug and need minor adjustment with each subsequent use. For children, the last thing you want to do is buy a helmet that is too large expecting the child will grow into it. The helmet will do nothing in the event of an accident.
Go to a bike store and don’t be shy about trying on several different helmets. Find the right fit and style for you. Remember, the right helmet will fit snug and partially compress the foam padding inside before the straps are snapped in place. You want the helmet that fits snug without being uncomfortable, then use sizing pads to finish the fitting. Finally, check using a mirror that the straps go under and slightly forward of each earlobe.
The right helmet is not only a question of style, but safety as well. When you have the perfect helmet, you can be assured that you will have a better chance to survive an accident without major injury.