HARD FACTS ABOUT HELMETS

If you like recreational activities that involve wheels, concrete or asphalt, then protect your brain by wearing a helmet. Helmets with a CPSC approval are good for biking and in-line skating and are available in most sporting goods stores. "Multi-sport" helmets with a Snell B-95 approval are designed for skateboarding, roller-skating, and riding scooters as well as biking and in-line skating. Snell B-95 rated helmets provide more protection but you may have to check out more stores to find one.

Your helmet should sit flat on your head — make sure it is level and is not tilted back or forward. The front of the helmet should sit low — about two finger widths above your eyebrows to protect your forehead. The straps on each side of your head should form a "Y" over your ears, with one part of the strap in front of your ear, and one behind — just below your earlobes. If the helmet leans forward, adjust the rear straps. If it tilts backward, tighten the front straps. Buckle the chinstrap securely at your throat so that the helmet feels snug on your head and does not move up and down or from side to side.

Helmets...Fact or Fiction?

Fiction: Helmets aren't cool.
Fact: Who says helmets can't be cool? If you're shopping for a helmet, there are lots of options, so you can pick out your favorite color. Or decorate your helmet with stickers and reflectors to show your personal style. Helmets are designed to help prevent injuries to your head, 'cause a serious fall or crash can cause permanent brain damage or death. And that's definitely not cool.

Fiction: Helmets just aren't comfortable.
Fact: Today's helmets are lightweight, well ventilated, and have lots of padding. Try on your helmet to make sure it fits properly and comfortably on your head before you buy it.

Fiction: Really good riders don't need to wear helmets.
Fact: Bike crashes or collisions can happen at any time. Even professional bike racers get in serious wrecks. In three out of four bike crashes, bikers usually get some sort of injury to their head.