How to Buy a Safe and Comfortable Helmet

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Helmets can reduce head injuries in an accident by 85 percent. Always wear one when climbing, skateboarding, biking, horseback riding and participating in other activities in which you need to protect your brain. No matter what, pick one that fits well and is comfortable. Here’s how to pick a safe and comfortable helmet.

CERTIFICATION

Buy only a helmet that is certified for the activity you’ll be using it for.

All bicycle helmets are required by law to meet the certification standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Skateboarding helmets aren’t required to be certified, but you should still insist on buying one that meets ASTM standard F1492. Some helmets are dual-certified, meaning they are designed to protect you from a fall from a bicycle as well as multiple impacts dished out while skateboarding or inline skating.

Just check for the sticker inside the helmet with the certification on it, and get one that looks cool and works for what you’re going to use it for.