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Even teens should wear helmets — every time they ride

Posted
Teens biking

Tweens and teens often shrug off the idea of wearing a helmet when bike riding. They think they're too old and they've mastered it.

However, they can't control what others do on the road, which is why even older kids need to wear a helmet every time they ride.

Yet recent studies have shown that more than half of young bicyclists don’t always wear helmets even though helmets can reduce the chances of head injury by 85 percent and severe brain injury by 88 percent.

CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS:

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ensure the helmet fits. That means it should sit on top of the head in a level position and the straps must be buckled. Your child should be able to look up and see the bottom rim of the helmet. The straps should form a V under the child’s ears and hug the head.
  • Ensure the bicycle is the right size for the child. Both feet should touch the ground when your child sits on the seat.
  • Ensure your child doesn't wear long or loose clothing to avoid getting tangled in the bicycle.
  • Ensure reflectors are secure, brakes work, gears shift smoothly and tires are inflated.
  • When riding at dusk or dawn, ensure your child can be seen on the bicycle with reflectors or clothing and accessories that have retroreflective material.
  • Tell your children to ride with traffic and not against it. Teach them proper hand signals and to obey traffic signs.
If you need help fitting a helmet or purchasing one for a reduced cost, call Safe Kids Palm Beach County at 561-841-3500, ext. 1057.

SOURCE:

• Safe Kids Worldwide

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