With the weather getting warmer, children will be out on their self-propelled form of transportation, i.e. bicycle, scooter, skateboard, in-line skates and roller skates.
The Air Force Flight Test Center Safety Office has noticed an increase with children not wearing an approved helmet. As a reminder, everyone is required to wear a helmet while on Edwards Air Force Base, regardless of age. In California, anyone under 18 years of age is required to wear a helmet. While no one plans on getting into a mishap, wearing a helmet will reduce the likelihood of an injury to the head. Most blows to the head are superficial injures and are more frightening to look at than threating; nevertheless the potential for severe head trauma exists.
Wearing a helmet won’t help if not worn properly. The helmet should be level on the head and not loose fitting. Tilting it back to look cool will not provide the proper protection. The helmet should be securely fastened under the chin with no more than one finger width under the chin strap. The “V” area on the sides of the strap should be below the earlobe. The manufacturer instructions will provide the proper wear requirements.
So, whatever your form of self-propelled transportation, play it safe, wear a helmet.
