Once again, it’s the holiday season, and many of us are looking forward to spending time with family, watching classic holiday movies, eating delicious food, and opening presents. But as we go shopping for gifts, it’s important to remember safety first. Each year, boys and girls from across the country will wake up to a new bicycle, scooter, or skateboard, but many won’t wear a helmet.
Every year, we see an increase in head injuries during the holidays, and these injuries can easily be prevented by properly using a helmet. For instance, wearing a helmet during a bike ride can reduce your risk of a head injury by 85%, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Before you purchase a helmet, it’s important to know that there is no such thing as an all-purpose helmet. Different sports require different types of helmets, and you must pick out the correct type of helmet for the activity your child will participate in. A knowledgeable representative at a sporting good store can guide you on which helmet to purchase.
Proper use and adjustment of a helmet is also extremely important when regarding your child’s safety. The helmet should sit evenly on your child’s head where it is comfortable and snug, and it shouldn’t tilt too far forward or backward. When a helmet doesn’t fit properly, it will offer less protection, which can lead to a traumatic head injury or worse.
Helmets should be maintained to stay in good shape as well. Even though helmets are designed to absorb hard impacts, they often need to be replaced after a serious accident. In fact, some helmets are manufactured to withstand a single, severe impact while others are designed to withstand multiple impacts. If you are unsure whether a helmet is in good condition, some skateboard and bicycle shops can inspect your helmet for free. When in doubt, always replace your helmet.
It’s also important to set an example for your children. When you ride a bike with your kids, make sure to wear a helmet with them. According to a University of Toronto study, children who ride bikes with helmet-wearing adults or children are more than twice as likely to wear a helmet compared to kids who ride alone. Remind them that wearing a helmet isn’t only safe, but it’s a cool thing to do. You can also use colors, stickers, and other accessories to encourage children to personalize their helmets.
For more information about reducing your risk for traumatic head injury, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers.