Page 26 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – July/August 2020

SAFETY ZONE
Learning About
Helmet Safety
Whether it’s bicycling, skateboarding or Step 3 - Buckles: Center the left buckle under the
rollerblading, remember to protect your head and the heads of your children with a helmet. One- third of bicycle-related fatal injuries are head injuries. In New York State, it is a law to wear your helmet until the age of 14. Not only is it essential to wear your helmet, but it is important to make sure it is fitted correctly.
Helmets come in various sizes, just like hats, and sizes can vary between manufacturers. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute site: bhsi.org.
It might take some time to ensure a proper fit, so it might be advantageous to do the fitting before you want to go out for a ride. It is easier if you have someone help you adjust the straps.
Check out these steps for proper helmet fit from our friends at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Step 1 - Size: Measure your head for approximate size. Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sitting flat on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn’t rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; use the pads to fit your head securely. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest comfort. In your child’s helmet, remove the padding when your child’s head grows. If the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the crown.
Step 2 - Position: The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead — one or two finger- widths above your eyebrow.
chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments.
Step 4 - Side Straps: Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears. Lock the slider if possible.
Step 5 - Chin Strap: Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap until it is snug so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.
Step 6 - Final Fitting:
A. Does your helmet fit right? Open your mouth wide; big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head. If not, refer back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap.
B. Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle it, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle it, retighten the chin strap and test again.
C. Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, unbuckle it, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle it, retighten the chin strap and test again.
D. Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.
For more information on bicycle safety, visit the NHTSA website at nhtsa.dot.gov. Check out the full infographic at AAA.com/Safety.
26 I JULY/AUGUST 2020
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