Is Your Bike Helmet Ready to Rock?

You’ve planned your route, prepared your bike, and put on your gear. As your tires hit the trail, you are confident you are ready for whatever the trail brings, knowing that your helmet will protect you from a brain injury if you fall along the way. But, how sure are you? Wearing a bicycle helmet does not guarantee you are protected. If you are wearing the wrong helmet, have a damaged helmet, or purchased a poor quality helmet, it can cost you dearly. Before going on your next ride, make sure you avoid these bumps in the road before you hit the road. 1. Size Is Crucial Just as you wouldn’t wear a pair of shoes that are a poor fit, you shouldn’t wear a helmet that isn’t snug and secure. The helmet should sit level on the head with the front edge of the helmet at no more than one inch above the eyebrows. With the chin straps tightened to form a “V” beneath the ears and so you can barely slip a finger beneath the strap, you should be able to move your head side to side, backward, and forward without the helmet moving. 2. Quality Counts Not all helmets are created equal, and just because you have the most expensive helmet does not mean it’s the best. Always review the specs and safety ratings before you purchase. Consumer Reports, private entities, and helmet manufacturers are a wealth of information you should investigate before making a purchase. Helmets range in price from $25 to $500, so they can be a considerable investment. But, if you consider the cost of treating a traumatic brain injury can run anywhere from $85,000 to $3,000,000 or more (not including lost wages, loss of quality of life, etc.), a few hundred bucks is a bargain. 3. Damage Is a Deal Breaker Scuffed helmets are one thing. Helmets that have taken a few blows are another. Scuffs and scratches are fine, but if you have already had a couple of tumbles and falls, the helmet may not provide adequate protection for further blows. Damaged helmets should be discarded and replaced before your next ride. If your ride through the Rockies or the rolling paths of Boulder goes awry, contact the team at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144. Our brain injury law firm can help you pursue compensation for a bike accident claim.