DALLAS, May 30 (UPI) -- Bicycle helmets are a good idea and may be the law in some U.S. communities, but that can't protect against every kind of injury, says a neurologist.
Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, associate professor of neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says helmets can protect against skull fractures but can still leave a child susceptible to closed-head injuries such as concussions.
"People need to be aware that wearing a helmet is no panacea," he says. "So have your child wear a helmet, but make sure he or she still knows how to ride safely."
A properly fitting bike helmet should be horizontal on the head, with a snug but comfortable fit, using the manufacturer's foam pads if necessary, according to Diaz-Arrastia.
"The front should be about two fingertips' width above the eyes, the 'Y' of the side straps should meet just below the ear, and the chin strap should be snug enough that when the child opens his or her mouth very wide, the helmet will pull down a bit," said Diaz-Arrastia.
