Helmet Safety: 10 Things to Look for in a Quality Helmet
Did you know that helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent? No matter the age or expertise of scooter-riders, a helmet is a must.
Finding the right one can be tricky. Here are 10 Micro-approved tips for finding the perfect, quality helmet:
Always measure your child's head as a first step! A loose fitting helmet is just as bad as no helmet. A good fitting helmet should not move front-to-back or side-to-side. It should fit snug to your child's head. Read below for a detailed guide on making sure you're picking the right helmet.
- Helmets made for the U.S. must meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. Always look for a CPSC sticker inside a helmet before purchasing.
- Look for vents and sweat control features.
- Look for a smoothly rounded outer shell, with no sharp ribs or snag points.
- Excessive vents = less foam to protect your child's head.
- Look for thicker straps. These tend to be more comfortable and extra secure.
- Consider color when buying a helmet. Darker colors can be harder to see. Pick something bright, patterned, or easy to see!
- Make sure that the helmet touches all areas of the head.
- Avoid visors on a helmet. These can can shatter in a fall, causing potential further injury.
- Always replace helmets after a crash or fall, or if any parts of the helmet are broken.
BONUS: Look for helmets that have added visibility elements like a built-in light or reflective aspects.