Check Your Health- Bicycle Helmet Safety
With summer approaching, Intermountain Health’s safety and trauma teams are reminding bicycle riders of the importance of wearing a helmet and staying safe when riding.
Bicycle related incidents historically rise during the summer months – peaking in July. Some of these traumatic injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet.
Intermountain trauma experts say a good-fitting helmet should:
- Fit snugly and sit level on the head
- Fit with two finger widths above the eyebrow
- The side strap V-shape fits just under the ears
- One finger can fit between the chin and the strap
“It’s important that every rider have a good fitting helmet and parents should help their child put it on before every ride, every time,” said Michelle Jamison, community health manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “And we’re not talking just when you’re bicycling. Helmets are important when riding scooters dirt bikes, ATVs, roller blades, skateboards, hoverboards, tricycles, and even balance bikes to help protect those heads.”
On Saturday, May 20, trauma caregivers from Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, Intermountain American Fork, and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital will set-up at four locations along the Murdock Canal trail in Utah County, conducting helmet fittings, supplying safety information, and conducting safety demonstrations.
“It’s important to us to offer these safety tips to members of the Utah County community so they can avoid a trip to the emergency department,” said Andrew Herrera, Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital trauma coordinator. “We’ve seen the effects of traumatic brain injury, which can be to devastating to families and we want everyone to have a safe summer – by wearing the right gear.”
Helmet Safety, which is part of the Hold on to Dear Life injury prevention program, expands on Intermountain’s commitment to keep children and families healthy in their communities, and is part of the Primary Promise Healthy Kids initiative.
