Anyone who loves things on wheels knows the importance of wearing a helmet. And although you’ve probably heard the most common reason why some people don’t wear helmets (the it messes up my hair and makes me sweat excuse), numbers don’t lie. Statistics show that helmets do save lives and reduce the risk of getting a head trauma. Wearing speed skate helmets is especially important when it comes to kids. Over 70% of children between the ages 5 and 15 ride bicycles and skate, however, without proper protective gear, these activities can be dangerous for them.
The most common and at the same time the most serious injury sustained from skateboarding, cycling or in-line skating is a head injury. Wearing a helmet will definitely protect you and your kids from severe injuries. Helmets should not be seen as an item that bothers you, but as an automatic habit that can actually save your life, no matter if you’re an amateur, a professional, a kid or an experienced adult in skating or cycling.
However, don’t just buy the first helmet you see because it is on sale or because you love the color and the style. The most quality speed skate helmets are made out of a hard outer shell and an absorbing liner. You also have to make sure that the helmet fits you just right and feels comfortable and snugly on the head. After you’ve found the perfect fit, you can start worrying about the appearance, but remember that you can always add stickers or draw cool things on it with markers and make it more personal.
Another important thing about skateboarding and in-line skating is learning how to fall safely and thus avoid serious injuries. Even the most experienced skateboarders and in-line skaters fall all the time, but with enough practice and a lot of injuries, most of them have mastered the art of falling. Remaining stiff while falling and panicking can only make the situation worse, so try to relax and always try landing on the fleshy parts of your body if falling is unavoidable. Besides wearing a helmet, you should frequently check the skateboard for wear and tear, especially before going for a ride and avoid skating on the streets if you’re a beginner.
It’s important to note that Australia was the first country to make wearing bicycle helmets mandatory, a law that was later adopted by the rest of the world. Being the first nation that recognized the importance of helmets is kind of flattering, but it also gives us the responsibility to show to the other nations that no matter what, safety should always come first.
