The Importance Of Using Safety Helmets

When we think about motorcycles we think about theIronically, the very people who reject motorcycle
feel of the rushing wind in our faces and our hairhelmets think nothing about wearing a helmet for
blowing back behind us. We think about looking cool assports activities. No one questions the use of helmets
we speed down the road. What we don't think aboutin, for example, football or ice hockey. Helmets protect
is what happens to the human body when it is involvedthe players from injury.
in a motorcycle collision with a car or van. We don'tThe Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center states
think about the impact of the collision, the body beingthat injury can be prevented through the use of
thrown clear and sliding along the road's surface until itproperly fitted helmets. There are different kinds of
stops on its own or until it encounters a fence or asafety helmet for sports. It is critical to wear the right
telephone pole.size. A loose fitting helmet cannot protect the head
It was the death of a race car driver that sparkedbecause it will move when impacted. The helmet
interest in helmet safety in this country. In 1956, Williamshould always touch the head all the way around.
Snell was killed when his helmet failed to protect him inWe don't often think about getting injured on a bicycle,
what was deemed a survivable race car accident.but, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute,
Since that time, the standards for helmets have beennearly 540,000 bicyclists are injured seriously enough
regulated by the American National Standards Institute,each year to require visiting an emergency room. Of
with the input of the Snell Memorial Foundation. Whilethis number, 67,000 have head injuries. The Snell
we can regulate helmet safety, it is not alwaysFoundation has also developed standards for bicycle
possible to get people to wear them. Unless they arehelmets.
mandated by law, many people refuse to do so.As with motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets should fit
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safetythe head properly. Loose helmets do not protect the
Administration, just under half of all motorcycle deathshead. Straps should be adjusted to ensure the best fit.
between 1990 and 1993 resulted because the riderMany helmets are made from expanded polystyrene,
was not wearing a safety helmet. Even if death isbut no other material is considered best for helmets.
avoided when the helmetless rider was injured, thereBicycle helmets protect the head by absorbing energy
may still be drastic consequences. Head, neck andand lessening the force of the impact. Their light weight
back injuries may leave riders paralyzed ormake them ideal for the bicycle riders.
handicapped for life.