How to Choose the Right Bicycle Helmet for You
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on October 17, 2016
Have you ever dropped a melon or a piece of fruit on the ground while shopping in the grocery store? Sometimes it makes a big mess and other times the piece of fruit becomes bruised and is left undesirable for consumption. Dropping a piece of fruit is a lot like riding a bike without a helmet in that both scenarios are preventable and, if not prevented, can cause a big mess. Deciding not to wear a helmet is a choice that takes seconds to make, but can cause life lasting damage. When you choose to ride a bicycle without a helmet, your head and brain become extremely vulnerable to injury in the event of a fall or crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that wearing a helmet while on a bicycle can reduce the chance of receiving a head injury by up to 50 percent.
Bike helmets are designed to protect your face, head, and neck regardless of your age or size. Because no state requires adults to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, the IIHS found that 86 percent of bicyclist deaths happen to persons 20 years and older. Many states have laws requiring younger riders to wear helmets while riding bicycles, but currently Kentucky and Indiana have not established any state laws regarding this. The lack of laws in this area means that safe riding and helmet use must be enforced by the individual and their family members. Whether you’re new to cycling and are buying a bike helmet for the first time, or are getting ready to replace an old helmet, here are some important things to know before you go shopping.
6 Important Things To Know When Buying A Bike Helmet
While a bike helmet may not be the most fashionable accessory, this protective headgear is designed to keep riders safe in the event of a fall or accident. To encourage riders to wear helmets and ride more safely, personal injury law firm Cooper and Friedman has put together an easy set of guidelines to follow when purchasing a helmet.
1. Type of Bike Helmet: First, you must choose which style of bicycle helmets fits your needs. There are recreational, 
road bike, and mountain bike helmets. All of these styles function the same and protect your head, but the kind of bicycle rider you are will influence your decision. Recreational use is the most common and recreational helmets are the easiest to choose from.
2. Bike Helmet Materials: Next, all helmets must have a plastic shell as well as a foam liner. Most liners are made from expanded polystyrene foam to take away some of the force during the impact of a crash. When purchasing a helmet, look for MIPS-equipped helmets. These helmets feature a low-friction layer designed to rotate slightly during impact. This design moves only a few millimeters, but has been proven to reduce rotational force that could impact your brain during a crash.
3. Helmet Features: All bike helmets typically come with some sort of ventilation, a visor, chinstrap, and a hair port. These features are added for comfort as well as protection.
4. Bike Helmet Sizing: After finding the right style and features for your personality and riding style, it is time to find the correct size for your head. Most helmets come in your typical sizes such as small, medium, and large as well as some extended sizes. The best way to figure out your helmet size is by placing a flexible tape measure or piece of string above your eyebrows and then wrapping it around your head. The tape measurer will tell
you the amount of inches around your head. If using string, measure the string to find out your helmet size. If you find that you are between sizes, try going for the smaller size.
5. Customized Fit: After buying a bike helmet, it is time to customize the fit. Expand the sizing wheel before placing the helmet on your head. Put the helmet in place and then begin tightening the wheel until it becomes comfortable.
6. Testing the Fit: Finally, buckle and tighten the chinstrap. The strap should wrap around both ears. Your helmet should press against the top of your head without moving.
Once you have the proper safety gear, you are ready to enjoy a ride around the park or on your commute to work! Don’t forget to replace your helmet from time to time. Your helmet may appear to be in good condition, but the internal parts could be worn or damaged. Also, it is a good rule of thumb to replace your helmet every five years even if you have avoided an accident. Weather, sweat, and UV exposure can also cause the materials in your helmet to break down.
Always remember to follow the rules of the road and to wear reflective gear when out at night. Bicycle accidents are serious and can cause major injuries, lost wages, and missed days at work. If you have been involved in a personal injury accident involving a bicycle crash, you can find legal help available. Cooper and Friedman personal injury lawyers serve people throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana with over 45 years of combined experience. Call 502-459-7555 for a free case consultation today!