PSA- Check Yer Helmet...

[bmccasland]

RM - bought me a new one last fall , and I haven't gone splat in it, yet. Thank you for the PSA.

[roadie gal]

I think Giro and maybe some of the other companies will replace a helmet for free or cheap if you get in an accident and crack it. Bike helmets are made for one impact. If you hit your head, even if you don't crack the helmet, replace it.

[Tuckervill]

One impact, huh?

Our lbs sold a bunch of mountain bikes to several middle schools in the area. 50 or 60 bikes each. The one near me has them, and the LBS wanted to create an opportunity for the kids to have something to work for with their riding. So, they came up with a bike race, and I said I'd volunteer. The kids had a GREAT time, but there was one injury, although I don't know how serious it is, yet.

The injury was because of a helmet--or lack of one. The kids all had helmets and we required them. However, the helmets are all kept in a huge bin, like for basketballs. After a year of middle school, so many of them were toast. Lots of them didn't have buckles. I tried in vain to make sure every single kid had a helmet that buckled before their heat, but it was like herding cats to even get them to listen. (Props to mid-school teachers everywhere!)

At one point, someone even picked up MY helmet, which was near my bike, far away, and threw it into the bin. Someone had slid the buckle OFF and I found it on the ground under the bin. I think most of the buckles were missing on purpose, now. I don't think they like to wear them, so they break them or loosen them up.

This action cost the boy who got hurt. He endo'd on a turn...someone cut him off and he slammed on the brakes and went over. His helmet, which had buckles, but was loose, flew off. He hit the back of his head on the pavement and was taken off in an ambulance.

No one except me seems appalled by the condition of the helmets. I talked with the LBS guys about how best to maintain the helmets, but they didn't seem to take it seriously either. I still haven't found out how the kid is.

Karen

[Aint Doody]

I so wish we could instill in the youth the importance of helmets. Every time I see a child wearing a helmet, I always say, "Wow! What a cool helmet you have." Maybe if they think it's cool they'll wear it more. But this only works if the child already has it on. I'm one of those survivors because of my helmet.

[sundial]

Thanks Denise! When hubby's helmet caught a tree limb on our last mtb adventure, he promptly replaced it. We didn't see any signs of cracks but we didn't want to take the risk of using a damaged helmet either.

[kat_h]

I bought a new helmet last week. It fits better than any I've ever tried. I hadn't realised how badly my old one fit until I tried this one.

[Tuckervill]

Seems he had nothing more than road rash--on the back of his head. (OUCH) So, no concussion or other serious injury! He was bleeding a lot at the scene, so there was lots of speculation that he was hurt worse. I'm sure we're all glad he wasn't.

Now I wonder if this incident will do something about the helmet problem at the school.

Karen