Bicycle helmets save lives Ð but to be effective they must be worn by the cyclist, be in good condition, and fit properly. According to one study, most of the time none of these three conditions are met.
Children eight to fourteen years old seen a private pediatric practice were enrolled in a study. The parents of the 479 children were asked to complete a questionnaire about helmet ownership and use. The children were then asked to put their helmet on. This was followed by an assessment of helmet's fit and overall condition.
Eighty-eight percent of the children had a safety helmet. Only 73% wore their helmet "always" or "almost always" when bicycling, 69% when in-line skating, 58% when on a scooter, and half when skateboarding. Teenagers were less likely to wear helmets than younger children.
The three most common fit problems were that the helmet's resting position was too high on the forehead (48%), improper strap position (67%), and excessive movement of the helmet from front to back of the head (48%).
This study found that 96% of children wear helmets that either don't fit properly or are in poor condition. To be effective, save lives, and lessen the chances of injuries, children must wear helmets in good condition that fit properly.
Pediatrics, 8/03
May not be reproduced in any format without written permission.
