Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every year, lots of kids need to see their doctor or go to the emergency room because of bike injuries.
Wearing a helmet that fits well every time you’re on a bike helps protect your face, head, and brain if you fall. That’s why it’s so important to wear your bike helmet whenever you are on a bike.
Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety rules for them. Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets the rules set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your helmet doesn’t have a CPSC sticker, ask your parent about getting you one that does.
Wear a bike helmet every time you ride, even if you’re going for a short ride. And follow these rules:
- Make sure your bike helmet fits you well.
- Always wear your helmet the right way so it will protect you: Make sure it covers your forehead and don’t let it tip back. Always fasten the straps.
- Don’t wear a hat under your helmet.
- Take care of your helmet and don’t throw it around. If it’s damaged, it won’t protect you as well when you need it.
- Get a new helmet if you fall while you’re on your bike and hit your head.
- Put reflective stickers on your helmet so drivers can see you better.