Does Any Helmet Satisfy the Georgia Bicycle Helmet Law?

No. Merely strapping on any helmet will not satisfy the law. The helmet must meet these four requirements under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296:

  1. It is a bicycle helmet. Helmets designed for other purposes do not necessarily protect against the type of head injuries bicyclists can face, so they do not comply with Georgia law.
  2. It is “of good fit.” Your eight-year-old will not meet the legal requirements if she wears an adult’s helmet.
  3. It is fastened securely. Loosely attaching the helmet will not provide the protection it should give the wearer. You must secure the helmet properly.
  4. The helmet meets Snell, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

How to Get Your Child to Wear Her Helmet Each Time She Rides

The best bicycle helmet in the world will do no good if your child does not wear it. Consider these tips for getting your child to wear his bicycle helmet, even after he has ridden out of sight:

  • Tip 1: Do not use hand-me-down bike helmets. Your child is more likely to wear a cool, new helmet than a used one. Besides, an older helmet might not meet the current safety standards and will not be effective if it has already been in a spill.
  • Tip 2: Let her choose her own helmet. If she really likes the style or color, she will be more likely to wear it.
  • Tip 3: Be a good role model. Because children mirror their parents behavior, you should wear your helmet each and every time you ride.
  • Tip 4: Make it a habit. Make sure she wears her helmet every time so reaching for her helmet becomes second nature.
  • Tip 5: Use positive reinforcement. Notice that he wears his helmet. Praise her for making a wise choice. Link a small reward with wearing her helmet — such as an extra ten minutes of video games that night.
  • Tip 6: Get your neighbors involved. Do your neighbors allow their children to ride without helmets? Consider discussing helmet use with them. In addition to helping protect their children from head injuries, it will also keep your child from feeling singled out for needing to wear a helmet.

We hope that you and your children never experience a bike accident. However, the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C. knows that you cannot avoid every accident. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident with a car, please call us at 404-474-0804, and we will schedule a meeting with you at no charge.

Jason R. Schultz
Helping Georgia area residents with car accident, medical malpractice, and personal injury claims since 1991.
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