(WXYZ) - Children--and adults for that matter-- should never ride a bike without a helmet. But when we put helmets to the test, we found that some helmets will protect your child better than others.
They have space-age shapes, cool colors, and artistic designs. Selecting a bicycle helmet can be fun. But it isn’t frivolous. Just ask a neurosurgeon.
WATCH CAROLYN CLIFFORD'S REPORT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHTDr. Daniel Michael told us at a hospital like Beaumont Grosse Pointe, where he works, they’re going to see about 10 seriously head injured kids per month during the summer. Most of those head injuries could be prevented if those kids were wearing helmets.
And the injuries run the gamut from the mildest concussion to fatal brain injuries.
Taylor Watkins works at American Cycle and Fitness in Royal Oak. He says there are two types of helmets to consider. A standard helmet is going to be a single impact helmet, so as soon as kids take one big spill you really need to replace the helmet.
There is also more of a BMX style where there’s a harder casing, a harder plastic shell on it. Those are multiple impact helmets.
And which brands are best? Our partners at Consumer Reports put a dozen helmets through some tough testing to see how well they would protect your child.
In all, Consumer Reports tested a dozen helmets, ranging in price from $18 to $50.
One test simulated what happens when your head hits the pavement.
Another test applied sudden force to the helmet’s straps and buckle to see whether they stretch or break. That helps determine whether the helmet would come off in an accident.
But it doesn’t matter whether you get a good helmet if it’s the wrong size.
Taylor Watkins told us, “If the helmet doesn’t fit right, the child is not going to want to wear it because it’s not going to be comfortable.”
For instance, a popular Hannah Montana denim helmet is supposed to fit children eight and up. But it’s too big for some 8 year olds. It actually fits some adults.
A helmet should be level and no more than one or two finger widths above the brow.
The straps should form a “v” under each ear, and the buckle should be centered under the chin.
The Schwinn Thrasher did very well overall in consumer reports tests and – at $20 it’s a Best Bet. The right helmet can make this childhood activity a safe one.
