Helmet Safety
Helmet Safety
Every Time You Ride
When enjoying outdoor activities, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 85%. Teaching your children the importance of wearing a helmet and following simple safety guidelines, can create safe habits that last a lifetime.
St. Luke’s Children’s Injury Prevention offers free helmets upon request. Please call (208) 381-1719 for more information.
Ensure a Proper Fit
Three Steps to Fitting a Helmet
- Position a snug-fitting helmet one to two finger widths above your child’s eyebrows. Have them look up; they should see the bottom rim of the helmet.
- Make sure the straps form a “V” under their ears when buckled. The straps should be snug but comfortable.
- Have the child open their mouth as wide as they can. Does the helmet hug their head? If not, tighten the straps so one finger fits between the strap and chin.
Additional Riding Reminders
Helmets are recommended when riding bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, skiing, snowboarding, horses, and off-road vehicles, like ATVs and snowmobiles.
Protective Equipment
Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding in the morning, at dusk or at night. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help others see you.
Group Rides
Ride together until kids feel confident. Follow road rules with hand signals and stay predictable by riding straight without weaving between cars.
Safe Pathways
Ride on the sidewalk, bike pathways or bicycle lanes when available. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side of the road when possible.
Helmet Integrity
Check helmets at the start or end of each season for cracks or damage, and replace any that are compromised or involved in a crash immediately.
