Proper Helmet Fit
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Warmer weather brings more outdoor activities -- including bicycling, skateboarding and rollerblading. Head injuries are the most common and serious injury resulting from these activities.
By using proper safety equipment -- such as an approved helmet, the risk of getting hurt can be reduced.
Here are the Five Basic Steps to Proper Helmet Fit recently published by AAA.
•Measure Your Head-Measure your head just above the eyebrows (or as the manufacturer suggest) to be sure you purchase the proper size. Place the helmet on your head and move it around.
•Adjust the Fit-Adjust the fit with the removable pads. You may need a combination of thin and thick pads to get the best fit. Rock the helmet gently from side to side, then from front to back. It should not move around.
•Adjust the Straps-Adjust the straps- front, rear and chin- to make the helmet level and snug. The front and back straps should make a "V" that comes together just under the ear. Buckle the strap.
•Test the Fit-There should be little movement when the head is shaken. The strap should feel tight but should not cause discomfort. You should be able to slide a finger under the helmet.
•Fine Tune the Fit-Go back to steps 1 through 4 if necessary to get the best fit possible. Practice buckling and unbuckling the straps.
And remember...
•Double check the fit of the helmet every time you ride
•Adjustments will need to be made because of changes in hairstyles and length, or as a child's head grows.
•Replace a helmet that has become too small.
•Replace a helmet that has sustained damage. Remember, one crash and its trash!
•Don't store helmets in a hot car or garage.
Source: AAA and the Brain Injury Association
By using proper safety equipment -- such as an approved helmet, the risk of getting hurt can be reduced.
Here are the Five Basic Steps to Proper Helmet Fit recently published by AAA.
•Measure Your Head-Measure your head just above the eyebrows (or as the manufacturer suggest) to be sure you purchase the proper size. Place the helmet on your head and move it around.
•Adjust the Fit-Adjust the fit with the removable pads. You may need a combination of thin and thick pads to get the best fit. Rock the helmet gently from side to side, then from front to back. It should not move around.
•Adjust the Straps-Adjust the straps- front, rear and chin- to make the helmet level and snug. The front and back straps should make a "V" that comes together just under the ear. Buckle the strap.
•Test the Fit-There should be little movement when the head is shaken. The strap should feel tight but should not cause discomfort. You should be able to slide a finger under the helmet.
•Fine Tune the Fit-Go back to steps 1 through 4 if necessary to get the best fit possible. Practice buckling and unbuckling the straps.
And remember...
•Double check the fit of the helmet every time you ride
•Adjustments will need to be made because of changes in hairstyles and length, or as a child's head grows.
•Replace a helmet that has become too small.
•Replace a helmet that has sustained damage. Remember, one crash and its trash!
•Don't store helmets in a hot car or garage.
Source: AAA and the Brain Injury Association
