McLane Black Lake Fire Department
Bicycle Helmets
Helmets provide the best protection against head and brain injury, whether your child is riding a bike, scooter or skateboard, or using skates. However, a helmet will only protect when it fits well. Help your child get in the habit of wearing a helmet by starting when they’re young. Be a good role model and wear a helmet yourself.
![bike-helmet-safety.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f53808_73e61872f8e74149a6fe6eeefa803fca~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_246,h_234,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bike-helmet-safety.jpg)
How do I choose a helmet?
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Choose a helmet that meets safety standards. For biking, riding a scooter, recreational rollerskating and in-line skating, look for a helmet with a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or Snell sticker inside.
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For skateboarding, or aggressive, trick or extreme skating, look for a helmet that has a sticker inside saying it meets ASTM F1492. It is not enough for the helmet just to look like a skate helmet.
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There are some helmets that meet both the CPSC and ASTM F1492 standards. They are multi-sport helmets and can be used for biking, skating, riding a scooter and skateboarding. Don’t be fooled into thinking that helmets that look “skate-style” are always multi-sport. Look for the two safety standard labels to be sure they are dual-certified.
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Helmet costs vary. Expensive helmets are not always better. Choose one that fits properly, and that your child likes and will wear.
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Helmet sizes vary between manufacturers. Always test for proper fit.
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Check used or hand-me-down helmets with care, and never wear a helmet that is cracked or broken. Used helmets may have cracks you cannot see. Older helmets may not meet current safety standards.
Proper Helmet Fit
Use this easy, 3-point check to test for a proper helmet fit.
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Eyes
Helmet sits level on your head and rests low on the forehead, 1 to 2 finger widths above the eyebrows. A helmet pushed up too high will not protect the face or head well in a fall or crash.
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Ears
The straps are even, form a “Y” under each earlobe, and lay flat against the head.
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Mouth
The buckled chin strap is loose enough so that you can breathe. There should be enough room so you can insert a finger between the buckle and chin. It should be tight enough that if you open your mouth, you can see the helmet pull down on top.
![ce-helmets-right-way.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f53808_d383a4f3a7f246ad9b6c89948c98cd5e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_55,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ce-helmets-right-way.png)
![ce-helmets-wrong-way.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f53808_67215fa2fa1f4540b2f5977d0b3d9005~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_55,h_56,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ce-helmets-wrong-way.png)
Way to Get Your Child to Wear a Helmet, Every Ride
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Make it a habit from the first time your child rides a tricycle, bike or roller skates. Be sure he or she wears a helmet every time.
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Enforce the simple rule: “No helmet, No bike.” (or skateboard, or roller skates, or scooter.)
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Explain that riding on wheels can be fun but dangerous, too and wearing a helmet can keep him from badly hurting his head.
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Let your child pick out the helmet so he or she is more likely to wear it.
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Wear one yourself. Remember: a child is more likely to wear her helmet when you do too!