Got A Brain? Get A Helmet!

Got A Brain? Get A Helmet!

Injury is the leading cause of death and disability for children in Alberta. Every year in Canada, more children die as a result of injury than from all childhood diseases combined. The majority of childhood injuries are PREVENTABLE.

Wheely Interesting Facts

  • Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile.
  • In Alberta, bicycling injuries top the list of sport and recreational activities resulting in major trauma.
  • 85% of Alberta children under 14 years old ride bikes.
  • Over 60,000 Canadians are injured every year in bike-related incidents.
  • In a one-year period, 6,430 people were seen in Alberta's Emergency Departments for bike-related injuries.
  • Head injury is the leading cause of death from bicycle crashes.
  • Bike riders who do not wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer head injury in a crash.
  • Bike riders who get a head injury are twenty times more likely to die.
  • Over 100 Canadians die each year from bike injuries.
  • Bike-related injuries cost Canadians almost $200,000,000 every year.

Brain Buster
If a rider falls off a bike and hits their head, they can fracture their skull and their soft delicate brain can smash into their skull, which can cause tearing, bruising, and swelling of the brain; The brain never fully heals from an injury and these injuries can lead to death, or long-term problems with memory, speech, personality, and movement.

A rider doesn't have to be riding very fast or be hit by a car to sustain a brain injury. Without wearing a helmet, falling off a bike onto a soft surface while riding at a low speed is enough to cause brain damage.

Helmet Hints
Even the best cyclists fall; therefore, everyone should get into the habit of wearing a helmet. Scientific evidence clearly shows that bike helmets are the single most effective way to reduce death and head injury from bicycle crashes. Helmets are known to reduce the risk of brain injury by 88% and the risk of injuries to the middle and upper part of the face by 65%. At least 45% of Albertans are not wearing bicycle helmets every time they ride, putting them at risk for brain injury. Many more may not be wearing their helmets correctly.

  • Do not purchase used helmets from yard/garage sales. The helmet may look in good shape; however, the condition of the interior of the helmet cannot be seen and may have deteriorated with age (UV rays weaken helmets) or may be cracked from a crash.
  • Choose an approved helmet that is designed for bike riding because other sports helmets are not effective at preventing bike-related brain injuries.
  • Try several helmets on to ensure the right fit and a style you like. Cyclists who choose their own helmets are more likely to wear them.

Helmet Hunting

  • Consult a knowledgeable salesperson to help ensure a proper fit.
  • Pick a bright color that can be seen easily.
  • A Helmet should be snug but not too tight. Helmets should not be able to roll forward or backward or to be removed without unbuckling the strap.
  • Use sizing pads if necessary to get a comfortable fit. Helmets should be worn low on the forehead, two finger widths above the eyebrows, and level across the top of the head, not tilted forward or backward.
  • Adjust the chinstrap firmly but comfortably to form a “Y” just below and forward of the ears. No more than one finger should fit between the chinstrap and the chin. The strap should be tight enough to keep the helmet from sliding during a fall or a crash.
  • Recheck the fit periodically.
  • Do not put stickers on helmets because helmets are designed to slide smoothly along surfaces in the case of a crash. Stickers will prevent sliding and cause an abrupt stop of the head, which increases the risk of brain damage.
  • Use only manufacturer approved decorations and cleaners.
  • Replace a helmet if it no longer fits.
  • Replace a helmet if it has been in a crash. Damage to the helmet may not be visible but the inner lining may have been destroyed.
  • Replace a helmet after 4-5 years.

It's The Law!
Currently, Alberta does not have bicycle helmet legislation that could protect its citizens from the serious long-term complications resulting from brain injury. Studies show that combining education with legislation is the most effective way to ensure that people wear bike helmets to protect themselves.

  • British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have mandatory bicycle helmet legislation for cyclists of all ages.
  • Ontario has bike helmet legislation for children under the age of 18 years and Manitoba has bike helmet legislation for children under the age of 5 years.

Bicycle Built For You
The bike should always be the right size for the rider and it should be in good condition.

  • Feet should stand firmly on the ground when straddling the bike.
  • There should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) of space from the top tube of the bike to the rider's crotch when the front tire is lifted.
  • The handlebars should be within reach and easy to turn.
  • Brakes must be easy to use and in good working order.
  • The rider's leg should be slightly bent when the ball of the foot is on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Adjust the seat as needed.
  • To ensure proper fit, check with a local bike shop.

Riding Right
While physical activity is very important in promoting a healthy lifestyle, every activity is accompanied by risks. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions to manage those risks.

  • Always wear an approved bicycle helmet.
  • Take a bicycle safety course from a trained instructor.
  • Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing.
  • Wear pant leg clips, tie shoelaces, and don't wear sandals.
  • Be sure all bikes have reflectors and a working bell or horn.
  • Stop and look both ways before entering traffic from a driveway, sidewalk, alley, or parking lot.
  • Ride on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as the traffic.
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals.
  • Avoid bike riding at night.
  • Stay alert and always keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
  • Walk bikes across busy intersections.

At Canadian Direct Insurance, it's our goal to provide you with the best information to help make your environment more safe and secure. That's why we've launched an education program about risks and safety, and why we have partnered with KIDSAFE Connection to provide important safety information for you and your family.