Biking is one of the favorites all over the world meaning that it will always be marketable in many countries of the world. Security should be a priority sometimes more especially when going to work, for a holiday or a sporting activity. A very vital subset of protective gear is the helmet that the cyclist puts on before riding the bike. Insurance is also an important attachment believed to safeguard the head in situations of a crash that may cause severe or even fatal harm. The situation that has recently surfaced is that there are helmets that do not have adequate protection for cyclists, which disturbs regulatory authorities and cyclists.
But how will cyclists be sure that the helmet they are using is in good state? Find out as you read on.
Could my Helmet Be Unsafe: Checklist
Below are ways to know if your helmet is in good condition: Below are ways to know if your helmet is in good condition:
Substandard Materials and Construction
Many inexpensive helmets flooding the market may appear similar to high-quality ones but often compromise on essential safety features. Some of these helmets are produced with substandard materials that may not protect the user well in an event of an impact.
Good helmets should be fashioned in such a way that they are able to straining off some of the force of an impact to minimize head injuries. They are fabricated with the help of specialized foams which are meant to interphase energy in a way to spread it upon impact.
Inexpensive helmets may have substandard foams because they do not offer the suitable protection like the pricey ones.
Lack of Certification
The last component that can pose some risks to biking helmets is the fact that the products often do not undergo certification.
Original helmets generally have tags from the safety organizations such as the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) of USA or CEN (European Committee for Standardization).
The likes give authentication to the safety levels of the helmets and testing that helmets have been subjected to. However, some of them produced and sold in the market are not approved or in the worst-case scenario they are labeled in such a manner that a consumer cannot make a verdict on the level of safety of the particular helmet.
Fit and Adjustment
The issue being that even the best helmets can be worn in the wrong manner, if one wears the helmet incorrectly or adjusts the straps in the wrong manner they are defeating the purpose of them. Wearing a helmet that is too loose or too tight greatly diminishes the effectiveness of protection it offers your head in the case of an accident. These must be tightened on the straps and the retention system of the helmet to guarantee a firm and comfortable hold.
Additionally, most of the cyclists are not so keen when it comes to inspection or even taking their cycles for servicing. Eventually the helmet parts can degrade or sustain a blow and thus lose their effectiveness as protective gear. Where you do need to focus a little more is checking your helmet for signs of wear and tear and changing the same if perhaps it is becoming a bit old for your safety to be well guaranteed.
Technological Advancements
Knowledge in technological development has made it possible to find some ways of enhancing cycling helmet safety. Companies are constantly investing their time and funds in searching and creating new features for improving protection.
Such advancements are the LED integrated light, MIPS – Multi directional impact protection systems, and enhanced breathability. However, the ability for the integration of these advanced technologies indicates positive possibilities; it is crucial to recognize that not all helmets available at the market employ these technological implementations.
Thus, regarding the choice of the bicycle helmet, it is crucial to take into account the safety addition options and to choose the type of helmet that is suitable for the client best and within the price range.
Conclusion
Cycling safety depends on a helmet hence, it is recommended to purchase a helmet from reputable manufacturers who meet heading standards. Wear and care properly your helmet, replace it if it damaged or it’s time to replace it.
“By prioritizing your safety and making informed choices, you can enjoy cycling while minimizing the risks of inadequate helmet protection,” says attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Law Firm.
