Everyone should wear a helmet when bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, skiing, skating and playing hockey.

In Newfoundland & Labrador, everyone is required to wear a helmet on bicycles and off-road vehicles. It is the law. Parents of children under 16 are responsible if they knowingly allow their children to cycle or ride without a helmet.

Helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries when worn correctly. All riders should wear a properly fitted helmet that meets Canada Standards Association standards (CSA). Never buy a used helmet.

The best way to prevent head injuries, including concussions, is to prevent the incidents that cause head injuries such as falls and collisions.

Make sure you helmet fits by using the 2V1 rule:

• 2 fingers above the eyebrow– A helmet should cover the forehead and sit at two fingers’ thickness above the eyebrows.
• V-shape – Side straps should fit around the ears and sit in a V shape.
• 1 finger under the chin – Tighten the chin strap until one finger fits between the chin and the strap.

Choose the right helmet for each activity. Check out Helmets for bicycles, inline skating, scooter riding and skateboarding from Parachute for more information.