Guide to Fitting a Bike Helmet Properly
Many Long Beach bicyclists know that wearing a bicycle helmet is one of the most important safety precautions to take before kicking up the kickstand. But there is a little bit more to wearing a helmet than simply picking out the right size or your favorite color. How the helmet is worn can greatly affect how well the helmet prevents injury in the event of a bike crash.
Some of the most common mistakes when wearing a bike helmet include not buckling or tightening the chin strap to ensure the helmet stays securely on the rider’s head. Also, wearing the helmet too low or high on the forehead can leave fragile areas of a rider’s head exposed.
The following tips will help you get the right fit and positioning to protect yourself from injury.
- Find a helmet that fits snugly and use sizing pads to create a customized fit. Sizing pads are especially helpful for children because they can be removed or adjusted as the child grows.
- Before making a purchase, check that the helmet meets safety standards. Check for a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or Snell sticker on the inside.
- Position the helmet at least one to two finger widths above the eyebrows.
- The straps should lie evenly and form a “Y” under each earlobe.
- The strap should fit only tight enough to fit one finger between the buckle and the chin.
If you or your child has suffered injury in a bicycle crash, please contact Irvine personal injury lawyer Joseph H. Low IV to learn more about your legal rights. You may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your losses from the at-fault party. Please call (888) 454-5569 for a no-cost consultation.