No Helmet, No Bike: What Parents Need to Know About Helmet Safety! by Dr. Bridget Boyd

There's nothing like being able to get on a bike and have that first taste of independence. Still, it’s important for Mom and Dad to be vigilant. One of the best rules you can establish is "No Helmet – No Bike." Helmets reduce the risk of serious brain injury by as much as 88 percent. This goes for skateboards, scooters or any recreational activity on wheels. When a child is skateboarding, Roller-blading or skating, have them wear knee and elbow pads and wrist guards for protection!

• Just as important as wearing a helmet is making sure your child is wearing the correct helmet when biking or participating in a wheeled activity.

• A helmet should be approved by the American Standards Institute (ANSI) or meet the Snell helmet safety standards. This will ensure it is crash resistant.

• Have the helmet fitted to your child’s head. It should fit snugly over the forehead and cover the back of the head.

• If a helmet is cracked, get a new one. 

Remember: no helmet, no bike!