vol

This is not about helmet debates so I'm not posting it in the helmet thread. I've never worn a helmet and don't like to, but I just got one on a whim out of curiosity as it was very cheap and turned out to fit me well. Not sure if I'll ever wear it, but even if not, might keep it for whoever will buy my used bike in future .

Here is why I post:
While trying on the helmet, I found that, since I (and perhaps most people) don't fasten it very tightly, so in the event of an accident when something (curb, vehicle,...) hits the head slightly upward on the back, pushing the helmet toward your face, with the straps still fastened around you chin (as when you pull the front of the helmet down toward your eyes/nose), then the straps would be cutting into your throat. Since the impact could be very strong, it seems like a risk of being strangled, so you may not die of head trauma, but maybe strangled to death . This is how I felt while trying it on. I wonder if this is a possibility or ever happened in reality?

hoodat

I suppose it's a remote possibility but I've never heard of it happening. I take the attitude, where helmets are concerned, it can't do any harm and might do some good. Bicycle helmets are pretty light and not uncomfortable to wear if they're fitted properly so I don't see a reason not to wear one.

YogaKat

I would think strangulation by helmet would be a total freak accident and extremely rare.

After having a concussion (non bike related) a couple of years ago, I will take the chance and keep mine on.

I-Like-To-Bike

Death by strangulation is more than a possibility when bicycle helmets are worn by children in non bicycling activities:
Child deaths due to cycle helmets
Warning: Playgrounds and Bicycle Helmets Don't Mix!

jimc101

Which all indicate the helmet is either the wrong size, or fitted incorrectly, correct this, and no issue

caloso

If the helmet is pitched forward as you describe, then the strap will be pulled across your jaw and chin, not your throat. And even if it is pulled back so that the strap was across your trachea, it's extremely unlikely to get caught on something to strangle you.

As others have said, it sounds so unlikely as to be a non issue. I have never heard of a properly fitted helmet or even an improperly fitted helmet strangle someone. But I have heard of many cases in which it saved a rider from a severe head injury. Myself included.

[on edit]

ILTB does bring up a good point about kids and playgrounds, though.

Dave Cutter

So... adjust the straps properly. Problem solved.

Joe Minton

Experience (scientific & verifiable) shows that strangulation-by-helmet strap is not a significant issue, i.e. --- it hasn't happened often or even at all.

If you you choose to wear that helmet, be sure it is adjusted correctly, fasten the straps and have a very nice ride! LOL

Joe

Chris516

While instances have factually happened. It doesn't take into account. If the helmet was strapped properly. So the helmet couldn't move. It invariably, and blatantly slams the use of a helmet. Also, Is the OP begging for a craniotomy?

79pmooney

It's best not top wear clothing also. Think about it. Virtually all the fabric we wear is flammable and there are flame sources everywhere. The fabric you are wearing is far more likely to burn while you are in it than a helmet is likely to strangle you.

Ben

YogaKat

But then the naughty bits would be quite a bit more sore I would think.

vol

This is not what I found to be the case. If I pull the helmet forward and downward toward my face/nose, it sort of revolves about an axis that is near or around the throat and chin area, with the straps slightly moving from chin to throat (i.e. backward, or toward one's back).

If I fasten it so tight that it can't move, then I'm already not far from being strangled.

bikemig 

The sky might fall so that's a good reason not to go outside.

vol

Geez, I don't even wear helmet, just for the first time trying it on out of curiosity. You guys wearing helmets surely have less fear than I do, just in case the sky falls on your head?

Chris516

So, Every cyclist is 'hot stuff', lol!!
My helmet is vented. So, The sky can fall in the vents, lol

I-Like-To-Bike

It is also a good reason to take the lane!

Chris516

Even indoors, lol

vol

It's those of you who wear helmets that are scared of falling sky. I prefer to be hit by the sky than strangled.

Anyway, it seems to be quite easy to get the strap cutting at the throat at a sudden strong impact that lifts the back of the helmet upward so the helmet slips forward and downward to your face (so the strap goes "up" tightening at your throat. No matter how tight and properly you had worn your helmet, the sudden forceful impact can move it.

caloso

So you're suggesting it's better to have your unprotected skull take the sudden forceful impact rather than the helmet, and risk a momentary tightening of the strap against your throat?

Think this through.

Dave Cutter

LOL. I thought it would be hilarious to post a picture of some (helmet wearing) nude men on bicycles with a caption like: That's why me and my buds always cycle nude. So I search google and found the pics. But then.... at the last sec I realized... that was like porn. Hummmm.... a whole new meaning to the term bicycle porn.

My wife insists I wear a helmet! So at least in my case... wearing a helmet prevents strangulation.

kickstart

gregf83 

You do realize that most people can go for a minute or two without air? Hard to imagine a scenario where the straps would remain tight around your neck.

If you don't want to wear a helmet that's your choice. No need to stretch for justification.

vol

So, wearing helmet is not fear for falling sky, and not wearing helmet but asking about potential strap hazard is fear for falling sky.

79pmooney

If people think through the cost analysis of wearing a helmet, we might see fewer helmets, not more. After reasoning like "a helmet costs $100. If I wear one for the rest of my riding days, say 25 years and replace them every 5 years, that's $500. The risk of it saving my noggin is say 1 in 100. $500 / (1/100) = $50,000. Now, is the content of my noggin worth $50,000?" Now, I believe mine is. But in Portland I see guys on cell phones riding brakeless fix gears and no helmets. I will suggest that perhaps they have done this same analysis and decided the money would be poorly spent.

Ben

I-Like-To-Bike

Staying indoors offers about as much risk reduction from the hazard of falling sky as a helmet does when bicycling outdoors.