An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Why these darn helmets?

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Abraham Malit
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing safety
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  It's important we take time to do the things we really enjoy. Winter is just around the corner. If you're like most people, you enjoy outdoor activities like bicycling and in-line skating.

Well, being the safety conscious person you are, you already know that more than 65,000 people are treated in emergency rooms every year for head injuries. It's also true that 7,000 of those injuries are serious enough to require some hospitalization. And, people hospitalized with head injuries are 20 percent more likely to die as those without head injuries. But here's one bit of information you may not know -- it's mandatory for everyone, including active duty and family members, to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or wearing roller skates/blades.

No problem for you, right? You've probably known about this requirement for years now. Bicycle helmets were probably a "buzz word" of the month at your previous base. But what if you're one of the few who hasn't given protective equipment much thought? Along with elbow and kneepads, you'll also need the most important piece of equipment, a helmet.

A helmet? Hey, just because I'm at McGuire AFB doesn't mean I want to run around looking like Darth Vader! Can't look good with a salad bowl on my head! Not true anymore -- thanks to modern technology, helmets are looking better and costing less today. Now you can look trendy and be safe at the same time.

When purchasing a helmet, keep the following things in mind: 

Make sure the helmet fits your head; try it on before you buy it. 

Adjust the chinstrap firmly, but comfortably. 

Wear it low on your forehead just above your eyebrows. 

Wear your helmet every time you ride your bike or roller skate. 

Read all directions carefully and always fasten the chinstrap firmly. 

Only use manufacturer approved decorations and cleaners. 

Replace your helmet every five years or if it becomes damaged.

Now that you've covered all the bases, everything should be in your favor now. Time to get out there and have some serious fun in the sun! Go enjoy yourself; just be as safe as possible while you're doing it.