radKIDS® ON… What are some radKIDS® Safety Rules to follow when riding your bike? Developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Region 10.Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPC), Snell Foundation – Seattle, WA. U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. DOT HS 808 421. September 1996. FACT A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent. But it’s not enough to simply buy and wear one – you need to make sure it fits properly. FITTING A BIKE HELMET PADS: Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Usually, the helmet includes more than one size of foam pads that can be Velcroed inside the helmet for a better fit. STRAPS: Tighten the chin strap as snugly as possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps just under the ears and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front strap. If all of this sounds confusing, follow the simple 5-Step Fit Test (on the following page). A GOOD HELMET FIT is as important as wearing one…but it takes time. Allow as much as a half-hour to get a proper helmet fit. If fitting your child, don’t try to “rush” it as they are trying to go outside to ride. Do it while they’re watching TV when they’re relaxed and you have plenty of time? Then secure the adjustments so the helmet is ready for the next ride. BUYING A BIKE HELMET: 2. There are many different brands and sizes. Select one that fits well prior to any adjustments. Many offer adjustable sizing pads to help ensure a better fit. Buy the one that’s most comfortable and attractive to you. You’ll be more likely to wear it. 3. Any helmet that has been involved in a crash has done its job. Replace it! 4. Buy one to fit the rider now, not for one to grow into. STEP PROBLEM SOLUTION 2. By pressing or pushing back of helmet with heel of hand can lift the back of the helmet up and forward. Helmet moves forward to cover the eyes. Tighten back strap. Make sure chin strap is snug. Also, adjust padding thickness and/or position, especially in front. 3. Put a hand on each side of the helmet and rock from side to side. Shake your head “no” as hard as possible. Helmet slips from side to side. Check padding on sides and make sure straps are evenly adjusted. 4. Open your mouth (lower jaw) as wide as possible, without moving your head. The top of your helmet should pull down. Helmet does not pull down when opening your mouth. Tighten chin strap. Make sure the front and back strap junction is under each ear. 5. Check to see if the front edge of helmet covers your forehead. The front edge of the helmet should not be more than one or two finger-widths from your eyebrows. Helmet does not cover the forehead. Position helmet no more than one to two finger-widths above eyebrows. Tighten any loose straps. Make adjustments so the helmet stays over the forehead. Five Step Helmet Fit Test 9 New Venture Drive |
