Do kids really need to wear helmets when they ride their bikes, scooters or skateboards? I mean really? I never wore a helmet growing up and I’m pretty ok, for the most part. Do the kids really need to have one of these hot and sweaty things on for every activity they participate in these days?
I will admit that I am a paranoid freak when it comes to the safety and well being of my children. So you can imagine that I am not a BMX racer, rock climber or any other activity that puts my life in danger, even a little and my children don’t do those things either. Isn’t that the only time you really need to wear a helmet? When you decide to jump 15 cars with your motorcycle or race a car around a track at 200 mph?
I mean they don’t ride very fast on their bikes and they are usually less than a half a block down the street from me. They don’t get all crazy with stunts because their paranoid freak Mama would drag their butts back to the house faster than they could even think about trying it a second time.
My thoughts on this subject, YES, kids should be wearing helmets on their bikes. Do you know the statistics on head injuries with bikes? It’s some scary stuff!
According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, medical research shows that a bicycle helmet can prevent 85% of head injuries to cyclists’, making the use of helmets the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting in bike crashes. That is a HUGE number! Why wouldn’t you wear a helmet?
My son had a biking accident just yesterday, it was awful, and he wasn’t wearing his helmet. I was sick when my youngest came running to get us and told us that his brother was covered in blood down the street. He wasn’t screwing around and doing stunts on his bike. His front wheel came of and he went over the handlebars of the bike. His face stopped him when it met the sidewalk. He looks miserable and nearly unrecognizable with all the scrapes and bruises. I was going to share a photo of him, but I just can’t. Not everyone can handle yucky photos like that.
He is lucky, he did not have a head injury. But, you better believe that he will NEVER forget to put his helmet on again and Mom will be constantly checking his bike for safety.
Bike accidents happen, they happen even when you are riding safely and paying attention to your surroundings. My opinion isn’t the same as everyone’s, but helmets are a requirement for my boys. ALWAYS!
More than 700 bike riders are killed in the U.S. every year, almost all in collisions with cars, and 75% of them die of head injuries.
Tips for Buying a Bike Helmet
- Look for a Helmet with a smooth shell and bright color (for visibility)
- The Helmet should fit level on the child’s head and fit snuggly with the straps
- Check for a pinch proof buckle and vents to insure there is good ventilation
Are your kids the only ones who should be wearing helmets? NO! Lead by example and wear them yourself. It is not just kids who are injured in biking accidents and need helmets. So, be sure that your kids see YOU wearing a helmet all the time as well. Also, be sure to do weekly bike checks and be sure that your kids and your own bikes are in good working condition. You never know when a wheel is about ready to fall off and you could prevent an accident.
