Author Topic: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet  (Read 2025 times)

acroy

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Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« on: November 14, 2016, 03:17:34 PM »
We had a scare this weekend, figured I'd share, so ya'll can consider it into your own Mini Mustache Risk Management Systems.

Son #1 (10) fell and cracked his noggin but good. Knocked himself unconscious for 20sec or so. Groggy and disoriented when he came around. 911 was dialed, paramedics checked him out. He is 100% fine. Local hospital performed a head/neck scan. Nothing. The only side effect was a 24hr headache.

We have an iron rule in the household
If:
-   You are on wheels, and/or
-   You are above the surface of Planet Earth
Then:
-   Wear a helmet you shall.

Note how the helmet is broken. It is deformed/collapsed and cracked all the way around. Plastic decor layer is removed to show the damage. This would have been his head. Medics stated they were very confident this saved him from severe injury or death.

Highly recommend the small investment of money and effort to protect the young Mustachians.
« Last Edit: November 14, 2016, 04:40:17 PM by acroy »

protostache

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2016, 05:24:17 AM »
Also a good reason to be leery of thrift store used helmets. It's very difficult to know if the interior foam has been compromised. An outwardly fine helmet may already be shattered under the cover.

GuitarStv

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2016, 07:00:16 AM »
Kudos for ensuring the wearing of a helmet.  I'm glad that your son is OK, and it sounds like the helmet saved him.

There's an expiry date for helmets because over time sweat and UV exposure causes the foam to behave in ways not designed for (my understanding is that for most helmets it's around 8 years).  Given that you can pick up a really nice bike helmet for 20-30$ brand new, I'm not entirely sure that the cost savings of getting an unknown used helmet is really worth it.

lthenderson

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2016, 08:25:18 AM »
Good to hear your kid is alright. I once found a storm grate running parallel to my direction of travel and I tested out my helmet. I hope to never test out one again but I will always be wearing one after that incident and I kept it all these years to show my kids the value of wearing them.

soupcxan

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2016, 08:51:35 AM »
I would never trust a used car seat or bike helmet from a thrift store. Penny wise and pound foolish.

TrMama

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2016, 01:27:07 PM »
There is a reason we call helmets "brain catchers" at our house. Glad your little guy is OK.

TabbyCat

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Re: Best cheap insurance policy: the $3 thrift store helmet
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2016, 12:54:57 AM »
Some fire departments give helmets free - you can check with yours. Ours does for all first helmets in the 1.5-3 range, but I have heard of others offering older sizes as well.