Benefits
The Centers for Disease Control officials have said 75 percent of head injuries could be prevented by using helmets, and that many minor injuries could be prevented as well.
Function
As of 2010, a total of 22 states have passed laws requiring children to wear helmets while cycling. Many cities in states that have no law, also require helmets. Health officials have recommended them for all ages.
Types
There are many types of helmets, such as touring, racing, BMX, so it is important to get a helmet made for the type of bicycling you do.
Considerations
Helmets should be approved by The American National Standards Institute, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Foundation. Laws that require helmets, specify one, or all three, of these as legitimate standard setters.
Fitting
A helmet should fit snug and tight on a person's head. It should not be able to be moved more than a quarter turn.
Warning
Children should not keep their helmets on when playing on playground equipment or climbing trees, as the helmet could get stuck and strangle the child.
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
