The Allstate Blog » Helmets

Rules of the Road: Kids and Bicycle Safety

Melissa — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:00:43 +0000

Bike riding is an annual rite of passage for kids in my neighborhood. For a 10-year-old, biking to a friend's house or the park means summertime freedom. Unfortunately, a fun bike ride can also result in serious injury or even death if bike safety rules are ignored. Each year, 350,000 children under the age of 15 end up in hospital emergency rooms due to biking accidents. Follow these bicycle safety tips to help keep your kids safe on the road:

Always wear a helmet. This should go without saying – for both children and adults – but statistics show that more than half of all bike riders don’t wear a helmet every time they ride. Even worse, 40 percent of bike riders report that they don’t own a helmet. According to Emergency Medical Services Authority, more than 60 percent of childhood bike fatalities happen on neighborhood streets less than a single mile from home. Bruises and broken bones heal. A brain injury, however, can cause permanent damage and even death. Make bike helmets a regular bike safety habit for the whole family.

Wear a helmet that fits. Just like hats, helmets are available in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. Let your child pick out her favorite helmet so she’ll be excited to wear it while riding. Check for the perfect fit: Helmets should sit low on the forehead, approximately one to two finger widths above the eyebrows. The same finger rule applies to the chinstrap. The strap should be snug but not too tight, with one to two fingers fitting between the chin and the strap. Test the fit: Open your mouth wide to yawn and confirm that your helmet pulls down on your head. If it stays put, tighten the strap. According to NHTSA, a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88 percent.

See and be seen. While you don’t need to cover your child in head-to-toe reflective material, wearing bright or fluorescent clothing does make it easier for drivers to spot children. Be sure that your child’s bike has a white front reflector and a red rear reflector, along with reflectors on the tires. Children should never ride at night without a reflective safety vest.

Know the rules of the road. Sadly, many bikers die each year because they ignore basic traffic rules. Teach your child that a bike is a vehicle and your child is the driver – he must obey all traffic signs, including stop signs and red lights. Bikers must look before turning left or right and indicate the turn’s direction by signaling with an extended arm. Ride in a predictable straight line and never weave in or out of traffic. If your neighborhood has a bike lane, always ride in this lane. Finally, always ride with the flow of traffic rather than against it.

What bicycle safety tips do you teach your children?

Drive Safer by Increasing Awareness of Motorcyclists [INFOGRAPHIC]

Erick — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:06:34 +0000

Drivers of cars, trucks and vans are conditioned to look for other large vehicles on the road, especially when changing lanes and making turns. But with so many motorcycles on the road, especially in the summer months, drivers must pay extra attention to be aware of riders on two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycles are obviously smaller, faster and offer the rider much less protection than a car, truck or van, and this infographic below details some common rules by which both riders and drivers can abide to help improve the safety of our roads.

[click the image below to enlarge]

Riders: Protective Gear is Good

Erick — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:04:07 +0000

It would be crazy to hit the ski slopes without the proper apparel or sky dive without a parachute, right? The funny thing is that people do something just as risky when they head out on a motorcycle with little or no protective gear. They arm themselves with just a thin layer of clothing, no head protection and inappropriate footwear. Instead of limiting enjoyment, proper gear can actually add to your riding comfort and of course, prolong your life. As tempting as it might be to wear minimal or no gear at all while out on a motorcycle--especially in warmer weather--it’s a bad idea. Motorcyclists are exposed to all kinds of road debris. Anything hard that falls off of a truck or blows in from open spaces ends up on our roads. Those items get kicked up by passing vehicles, often headed straight at motorcyclists. If you are wearing protective gear, the impact of a stray rock, a stinging insect or something more sinister like sliding across asphalt, is much less than it would be if not protected. And, your gear also keeps you from getting too much sun exposure by facilitating your body’s natural process of sweat evaporation to prevent heat exhaustion. In hot weather, the answer is to wear more gear, expose less of your skin to the sun and wind, and allow your body’s built-in cooling system to work its magic. It doesn’t take very long for a rider to experience heat-related illness, especially if they have not hydrated well that day.

Instead of limiting enjoyment, proper gear can actually add to your riding comfort and of course, prolong your life.

Statistics vary widely on how much protective gear actually helps riders, but the simple fact is that having protective gear on increases your odds of walking away from a crash with fewer, less-serious injuries. And, instead of being distracted by riding conditions, protective gear can aid concentration on defensive riding skills. Today’s motorcycle riding gear is state-of-the-art and made from light-weight materials designed to take the brunt of anything that comes your way. In addition to leather products, bikers can now get gear made of Kevlar, ballistic nylon or a hybrid of leather and nylon. The best riding gear comes with body armor--thick pads sewn into the elbows, shoulders, kidney area, spine, knees, and in some cases, hips.

What is considered the minimum amount of safe motorcycle gear?

Most experts would suggest a heavy jacket made from cow hide, Kevlar or ballistic nylon, riding pants or chaps made from cow hide or nylon, full-finger riding gloves, over-the-ankle leather boots, eye protection, and a DOT-certified helmet. Also important are ear plugs, sunscreen and drinking water. While these last three items are not what most people would consider standard protective gear, they are important to your safety. Some people ride their motorcycle with very little between themselves and a sea of hard, sharp, fast-moving objects. This is not recommended. Proper motorcycle safety gear is there as a buffer between you and the environment in which you ride. Without a protective steel cage, your best chance at emerging from a motorcycle accident with minimal injuries is to fully gear up every time you ride. Pick up some quality gear and ride easy knowing that you’ve improved your odds out there. Check out the Allstate Motorcycle Facebook page for more on motorcycles.

5 Ways to Ensure Proper Helmet Fit

Erick — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:04:30 +0000

Many consider a motorcycle helmet to be the single most important piece of riding gear you’ll ever purchase, and, regardless of your state’s laws, you may want to consider wearing it every time you ride your motorcycle. A motorcycle helmet is specially designed to reduce injury in the event of a crash, but like any other piece of specialized equipment, it only works when used correctly. Surprisingly, many motorcyclists on the road are wearing incorrectly fitted helmets. Not only will an improperly sized helmet affect the comfort of your ride, but a helmet that is too large or too small may be ineffective in doing what a helmet is designed to do: save you from serious injury in the event of a crash. Only a properly sized, properly fitted and properly worn helmet will be able to perform as intended, so make sure to follow these steps when buying your next helmet.

Measure your head Using a cloth measuring tape, measure your head around its largest circumference, about one inch above your eyebrows and just above your ears. Take several measurements to get an average. Write down this number and take it with you when you go to try on helmets. Use this number as a starting point only as every helmet is shaped differently and not all manufacturers’ size guides match.
Try on the helmet Once at the retailer, select a helmet based on the size recommendation for your head measurements. If your head size falls exactly between two sizes, start with the larger of the two. Place the helmet on your head and securely tighten the strap.
The visual check Using a mirror, ensure that your eyes are the center of the visor opening. The edge of the forehead padding should be just above your eyebrows. Look for gaps between the cheek pads and your cheeks, the side pads and your temples, and feel the back of the helmet to make sure it’s in contact with the back of your neck.
Move the helmet A properly sized helmet will fit snug enough to cause your skin to move with the helmet. A helmet that is too loose may come off in the event of a crash, but a helmet that is too tight may cause increasing discomfort as it is worn. Grab the helmet with a hand on either side and attempt to rotate the helmet side to side. With your thumbs, attempt to lift the helmet straight up off of your head. If the helmet moves easily during either test, it is too large. Try to push the chin bar to your chin. The front of the helmet should not touch your nose or chin. Finally, place your thumbs at the back of the helmet and attempt to roll the helmet forward off of your head. If the helmet comes off, try one size smaller.
Wear the helmet Once you’ve determined the proper size of your helmet, fasten it securely and wear it around the store. Note any excessive tightness or increasing discomfort. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the features of the helmet such as the locations of the vent switches. After 30 minutes, remove your helmet and look for any red marks on your face and head that may indicate pressure points.

Once you’re satisfied with the comfort and style of your helmet, make your purchase, confident that your new, properly fitted helmet will provide you with all the protection for which it was designed.

Finding the Right Motorcycle Helmet

Jen — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:58:00 +0000

In the summer of 2006, Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition after he was in motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet. Luckily for Ben, he only had a broken jaw and nose and did not suffer any serious, life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, some motorcyclists are not as lucky. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association [NHTSA], motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five perfect of all highway fatalities each year and approximately 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, compared to 20 percent for automobiles. In fact, according the NHSTA, motorcyclists are more than 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger car. A 2007 NHTSA report on motorcycle fatalities indicates that there is a direct correlation between a head injury and helmet use. Around 51 percent of unhelmeted motorcyclists suffered a head injury compared to 35 percent of helmeted motorcyclists. Helmets are the single most important factor in surviving a motorcycle accident. Between 1984 and 2006, the NHTSA estimates that helmets have saved more than 19,000 lives. In 1995, Congress rescinded its helmet policy. Currently, only 20 states and the District of Columbia have a law requiring all riders to wear helmets. For an updated list of helmet laws by state, refer to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s helmet laws guide. While in some states wearing a helmet is a matter of choice, there is some pretty compelling statistics that say wearing one can go a long way to helping you survive a crash and ride another day. Here are five ideas from Motorcycle Cruiser on how to pick the right helmet for you:

1. DOT Certification

Regardless of price, color or style, you should always ensure there is a D.O.T. (U.S. Department of Transportation) sticker on the back. This sticker indicates that the helmet meets D.O.T. safety standards, including the ability to soak up a significant amount of impact energy and the ability to prevent penetration and withstand significant force. You can find a list of helmets that meet these standards at the NHTSA site .

2. Roll-Off Test

One of the most important characteristics of a good helmet is whether or not it will stay on your head. To check this, first fasten the strap snugly around your chin. Then, grab the back of the helmet and try to lift it up and roll it forward off your head. A good helmet should not be able to come off, regardless of the amount of force you use.

3. Fit

A good helmet must fit snugly so that it is stable, even when you shake your head. A full-face or open-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of your head. And remember, sizes can vary depending on the brand, so always remember to try the helmet on before you make a purchase.

4. Comfort

While your helmet should always fit snugly around your head, a good helmet should always be comfortable. Finding a comfortable helmet may take time, but finding the perfect helmet will also make your ride more enjoyable. Features that can make a helmet more comfortable include padding, a neck roll and a seal around the ear.

5. Coverage

There are three types of helmets: open-face helmets, half helmets and full-face helmets. Each of these offers a different level of coverage for your face. Full-face helmets provide the most protection, followed by an open-face helmet and a half-helmet. A 2003 UCLA study on motorcycle accidents, found that motorcyclists with facial injuries are 3.5 times more likely to have brain injuries. Those with facial fractures are 6.5 time more likely to have such injuries than those without facial damage. So, protecting your face with a full-coverage helmet can not only prevent a life-threatening injury, it can also save your life. For more information about choosing a proper motorcycle helmet and motorcycle safety, you can visit Allstate’s page on motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle Touring 101 – Part 2

Brendan — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:56:47 +0000

In Motorcycle Touring 101 - Part 1, I discussed building mileage, alone vs. solo, storage equipment and types of motorcycles. This post will contain an emphasis on safety. Although motorcycling is incredibly enjoyable to many, it can be very dangerous.

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself is to prevent accidents and mishaps in the first place. Motorcycle maintenance is the first half of the equation, but too broad a subject to discuss here. The other half is you, and how you ride. Check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for literature and classes to hone your riding skills. Check out some books, particularly "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well" to help visualize and make concrete proper riding techniques.

Protective Equipment

There are two kinds of riders. Those who have fallen, and those who will. I am an ATGATT rider. ATGATT means "All the Gear, All the Time". It is a nuisance - and extra work, but I like to error on the side of caution. When people ask me in the 100 degree Arizona sun, "Aren't you hot in that leather jacket?" I often respond, "I'd rather sweat than bleed." Protect your head. Wear a helmet. According to the HURT Report on motorcycle accidents, 25% of accidents involving an impact to the head occurred at the face. That half helmet may be more comfortable and stylish, but I personally think it is too risky. You can compromise and buy a "flip helmet" in which the face of the helmet flips up so you can get out behind the chin bar every once in a while. Now for the hands and feet. If you fall you will instinctively try and brace yourself with your hands. A quality leather or textile glove will save them. If you find yourself pinned under your motorcycle, those tennis shoes won't offer much protection. Get a solid pair of motorcycle boots with strong ankle protection. Solid boots will also help you stabilize your motorcycle should it lurch to the side after an unexpected emergency stop. The torso and legs. A jacket is a must. It not only helps in the event of a crash but protects you from the cold and heat. You lose more moisture from your body if you are without a jacket as opposed to wearing a thick leather one. Pants are a pain to wear. Walking around like an astronaut when you're off the bike isn't always nice, but it will save your backside... literally. It saved mine when I went down at 80MPH and walked away with nothing more than a bruise on my hip. The eyes and ears. If sunglasses don't fit inside you're helmet or are just too uncomfortable, get a tinted visor. Carry the clear one with you in case you get caught in the dark. Ear protection is the most overlooked aspect of motorcycle safety. Ear protection reduces fatigue and prevents permanent hearing loss. Get a pair of those foam plugs, or even some headphones work well. It make take some time to get acquainted with not hearing what's around you, but your eyes will tell you more than your ears as the wind rushes by at 55 MPH.

Emergency Situations

Motorcycling is inherently dangerous, but many of the dangers can be mitigated. Proper riding equipment will help avoid most injuries, but I discuss that in further detail in the Protective Equipment section. I always recommend carrying an emergency kit with you. The contents of this kit will vary based on the proximity to civilization and how remote the areas you are riding through. There are ready-made kits available, but don't be shy to beef them up with some extras. There are many resources online that can guide your decisions. Remember that first aid equipment is useless if you don't know how to administer first aid. Consider courses or literature on the subject. A piece of equipment that I never leave home without is a Personal Locator Beacon. This allows friends, family or rescue personal locate your position should you experience an accident and are unable to signal for help. My personal favorite Personal Locator Beacon is one called Spot. It costs about $150 last I checked, and has a service fee of $100 a year. For an extra $50 per year you can add real-time tracking that updates your location every 10 minutes so that friends and family can see where you are and give them peace of mind. There are other options on the market, but Spot seems to be the most popular and cheapest. I've been using it for over two years with consistently good results. You don't have to go out on every ride with a doomsday scenario in the back of your mind, but with modest preparation you can overcome anything the road might throw at you.

National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Brendan — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:31:40 +0000

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! As the weather begins to warm up and more motorcyclists get back on their bikes, its important to first take the proper precautions to ensure that their riding experience is both safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for you to take into account before you hit the road again: (All tips taken from: http://www.allstate.com/motorcycle-insurance/safety-tips.aspx)

Get Ready for Riding Season

Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals.
Check the oil and fuel levels.
Make sure the mirrors are positioned correctly.
Check the cables to make sure they aren't worn or frayed.
Lube the chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specs.
Try a rider-training course to brush up on your skills.

Invest in Good Gear

When you're on the open road, there's not much between you and the pavement. Wearing tough gear is always a smart move.

Pick a high-quality helmet that fits well. If it doesn't have a face shield, pair it up with goggles or glasses with safety lenses.
Use safety as your excuse to shell out for that leather jacket. Get the pants while you're at it. (We know black and bikes are a perfect match, but a bright color will help other drivers see you better.)
Wear durable non-slip gloves.
Invest in boots or sneakers that cover your ankles.

When You're Out on the Road

Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding.

Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.
Know your bike's limits.
Stick to the speed limit.
Don't tailgate other vehicles.
Use your signals.
Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.
Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.
Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

Have a smart and safe motorcycle season! Photocredit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauricedb/1345801234/ / CC BY 3.0