5 Times to Wear a Helmet

Kids First Team Member
4 days ago
3 min read

Fall sports are about to kick off in North Carolina and while most families know how important helmets are in youth sports like football, baseball and hockey, it’s a good time to remind parents that helmets also protect kids in powerful ways during other activities they enjoy. Healthychildren.org shares 5 non-negotiable activities for wearing a helmet beyond contact sports:

Bike riding

While bicycle riding is a fun way to exercise and get around, about 26,000 kids go to emergency departments with head injuries each year. Wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of head injuries by about 85% and facial injuries by about 65% among bicyclists. This is true for children as well as adults, so be sure to wear your helmet, too! Learn more about how to choose a bicycle helmet and encourage your child to wear it.

Skiing, snowboarding & other snow sports

Kids in North Carolina don’t get many true snow days. But as you travel over the winter- remind your kids to wear their helmets. Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are a common cause of recreational sport-related head injuries for children and teens. Helmets reduce this risk, and some research suggests they may help prevent neck injuries, too. Whether your child is skiing, snowboarding or even sledding a snow-covered hill, count on a helmet to help keep them safe.

Skating & skateboarding

Whether on wheels or blades, skating is a longtime favorite among children and teens. But without a helmet, young skaters can end up with serious head injuries. Among different types of recreational skating, ice skating has the highest percentage of head injuries. And up to 20% of all these are traumatic brain injuries. Researchers find similar injury patterns with skateboarding. This may be in part because ice skaters and skateboarders tend to fall backwards, making it harder to break their falls with their arms. Whenever your child grabs their skates or board, make sure they have their helmet, too.

Horseback riding & other equestrian sports

Concussions are the most common injury among children and teens who participate in horseback riding and other equestrian sports. Research also shows that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with bleeding inside the head are more common among children who weren't wearing helmets. It's estimated that helmets can reduce the risk of this type of injury by 96%.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding

Helmets can reduce the risk of fatal head injuries related to ATVs by about 40%, research shows, and a nonfatal brain injury by 60% or more. In addition, young ATV riders who are wearing helmets when they are hurt have less serious injuries and shorter hospital stays compared with unhelmeted riders. Other protective gear, including a face shield or goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves, is also a good idea. And consider wearing a chest protector and more durable gear for riding at higher speeds, like for ATV motocross racing.

Remember

Talk with your Kids First Provider if you have any questions about helmets for your child. Raleigh: (919) 250-3478, Clayton: (919) 267-1499.

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