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Use Your Head: Wear a Helmet Michon Morita, M.D. Wearing a helmet that fits properly can help prevent serious head injuries and fatal accidents whenever you or your family ride bikes or motorcycles or go in-line skating or skateboarding. Ninety-eight percent of bicyclists killed reportedly were not wearing helmets. “Research shows that bicycle helmets that are fitted securely and buckled when crashes occur can prevent up to 88 percent of cyclists’ brain injuries,” says pediatric neurosurgeon Michon Morita, M.D. In 2004, about a half a million Americans went to the emergency room for bike-related injuries. Head injuries accounted for about 14 percent of these cases and approximately 600 resulted in deaths. “Many of these cases were due to traumatic brain injuries. Studies have shown that helmets protect the skull and prevent head injuries in children,” says Dr. Morita. The segment at greatest risk is children ages 15 and younger. This age group accounts for 40 percent of deaths related to bike injuries. Those who suffer brain injuries and survive often face lifelong challenges. “Many of these children will require assistance for the rest of their lives,” says Dr. Morita. “We see it occur too often for something that is very preventable.” In Hawaii, children ages 15 and younger are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Failure to do so could result in a $25 citation. The right fit A helmet should sit level and cover as much of your head as possible. Make sure the helmet protects your forehead as well. When the straps are fastened, you shouldn’t be able to get the helmet off your head by pulling or twisting it. If it comes off or slips enough to leave a large area of your head unprotected, adjust the straps again or try another helmet. Keep the straps comfortably snug when riding. Avoid helmets with squared-off shells, excessive vents, extreme shapes, thin straps or rigid visors that could snag in a fall. Choose a light-colored helmet; dark helmets are harder for motorists to see. Safe helmets will have a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard, ASTM, Snell, B-95 or N-94 sticker inside. All helmets sold after 1999 must carry this sticker. Replacing helmets These guidelines can help you decide when to replace a helmet: Replace any helmet if you crash while wearing it. Impact crushes some of the foam, although the damage may not be visible. Replace a helmet from the 1970s or earlier, when safety standards weren’t as stringent as they are today. Replace it if the buckle cracks or a piece breaks off. Helmets for young children Helmets for children transported in child seats or trailers that are pulled behind an adult bike should be round. Aerodynamically shaped helmets can be dangerous since the back of the helmet hits the back of the seat and forces the child’s head downward. Make sure to remove the helmets before children climb on playground equipment or in trees. A helmet can become a choking hazard if a child slips or falls. Other Tips for Safe Biking The Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition (KIPC) offers these additional safety measures: During the day, children should wear bright clothing — yellow and orange are best for road riding. During the night, wear retro-refl ective clothing that’s designed to bounce back motorists’ headlight beams, making you more visible. Never wear headphones while riding, as they prevent you from receiving information crucial to your safety. Children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by an adult when riding on the street. For more information, visit the KIPC Web site at www.kipchawaii.org. 24-Hour Emergency Care Kapi‘olani’s emergency room is staffed by specialists trained in pediatric emergency medicine and is available around-the-clock.