Professional cycling can be pretty miraculous. Doping scandals notwithstanding, that people can go through a grueling trial like the Vuelta Espana, Giro d’Italia, or Tour de France in the times that they do is incredible (literally, as it turns out). And then watching these cyclists ride in that densely crowded pack, known as a peloton, it’s hard to believe there aren’t constant collisions and falls. For a brain injury lawyer in Hamilton, cycling races are a source of unending stress; no one wants to see serious injuries occur. Toronto personal injury law firms have experience handling head injury cases as a result of cycling accidents and know that, thankfully, Ontario has laws in place to lessen their frequency.
The Importance of Helmets
Everyone knows that helmets are the difference between being shaken up and being seriously injured in a cycling accident. That’s why Ontario law makes it mandatory for cyclists under 18 to wear them. But you can’t just throw on any old helmet and be safe for your ride.
- Helmets need to fit snuggly. When you shake your head, the helmet should stay in place rather than slide around.
- The brim of your helmet should sit two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- The straps should meet in a ‘V’ shape just below your ears, and neither side of the strap should be twisted.
- The strap should be gently fastened around your chin, leaving no more than two fingers’ space between chin and strap.
- Do not wear a hat or other headwear underneath your helmet.
Beyond aspects of fit, your helmet should be certified by the CSA, CPSC, Snell B-95, or N-94 (there will be a sticker on your helmet from one of these organizations). For more information on preventing cycling injuries, a brain injury lawyer in Hamilton will be able to help. Any brain injury lawyer in Hamilton knows the laws on safe cycling, and can even give you tips.
Source:
http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/safety-and-crime-prevention/bicycle-safety.asp