Bicyclists in California hear stories all the time about the importance of wearing head protection. Having a helmet, however, is just a starting point. Making sure it fits properly plays a substantial role in cyclist safety.
Even though people have a number of styles to choose from, not all helmets provide optimal protection. People should look for products that have a notification informing consumers that it complies with CPSC guidelines.
Finding a good fit
Shopping for the right helmet may take some time and trial and error. According to Healthination, cyclists should always buckle the chinstrap to keep their helmets secured on their heads. The “Y” straps should fit around the wearer’s ears and may require adjustment to find the proper fit. A helmet should never wobble around and should sit level on a person’s head.
Depending on the type of cycling a person does, some styles may provide more comfort or protection than others. With improvements in technology, many helmets have a variety of amenities including visors, aerodynamic designs, ventilation and reflectors among other things.
Making it a habit
Even with a great helmet, infrequent wearing does little to no good to protect cyclists. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that over half of Americans admitted to not wearing a helmet when they ride their bikes. Making helmet wearing a habit may take some time and some getting used to, but studies show that people who wear their helmets have significantly fewer risks of serious injury if they crash than those who do not wear a helmet.
If people have received injuries in a bicycle accident, they have the right to seek legal action. In cases where a cyclist suffered injuries as the result of another’s negligence, legal compensation could help offset damages related to physical injury, emotional trauma and property damage.