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Across the Fence:  FYI on helmets  |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 11:21:05 AM
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FYI on helmets. I can't speak about bicycle ones, though they should be the same as for motorcycles. My son worked in the motorcycle industry a long time and strongly stressed that helmets have an "expiration date", beyond which their ability to protect in a crash is compromised. Inside the liner of each helmet is a manufacturers date and Snell(who issues safety recommendations) and DOT (Dept of Transportation) do not recommend using beyond 5 years. I often tell thrift shops that helmets they have for sale should be in the trash. To give someone a false sense of security by wearing a helmet that will not protect their head is not a good idea. The cushioning materials deteriorate and lose the ability to protect the skull. All this from a kid who had to be reminded to wear a helmet even if he was just riding in the fields behind our property-they do grow up and learn. Thankfully, his knowledge did not come the hard way.
Helmet laws are subject to lots of controversy and I'm not expressing an opinion one way or the other.
If one person is saved from injury or death by wearing a Snell approved helmet that is not outdated, it's been worth my while to share this info. |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 11:32:16 AM
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I'm here today because of a helmet...literally. The helmet saved my life, and I'm very grateful that I was wearing one that had the ability to absorb the impact and protect my head. So I'm with you 100% Ronna. My accident was horseback riding, and I know with equestrian helmets, they're designed for one impact only, and a lot of people advise replacing them if they even accidently drop to the ground. After seeing my helmet split in two pieces (completely--the paramedics kinda went into a panic when they realized it split!!), I'm not willing to compromise my well being by wearing a helmet that may or may not perform well in the event of an accident...
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 11:38:19 AM
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| Thanks Jodi. I didn't even think about equestrian helmets. Yes, any hard drop or impact is enough to compromise the safety, but a hard sell when a good helmet is hundreds of dollars and could be virtually new. After my husband bought the Harley, he wanted me to get a cheap helmet since I wouldn't be on the bike nearly as much as him. I chose the one that fit the best and was most comfortable and told him I don't have a $100 head and would be wearing the Arai I liked. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 5:43:43 PM
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Holy cow, Alee....I just realized you went above and beyond the TEN THOUSAND posts mark while I've been away!!! Did they throw a party for you, for this great accomplishment??  
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Across the Fence: FYI on helmets |
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FYI on helmets
