Even careful cyclists crash every 4,500 miles, on average. Nobody expects to fall, but in time you, too, will crash-it's the law of averages. When you do, it's essential to have proper head protection, since according to National Safety Council, 75 percent of the more than 1,400 annual deaths from bicycle accidents in this country are due to head injury. Road rash and broken bones will heal; major injuries to the brain will not.

A bicycle helmet is designed to prevent penetration and to absorb the impact of a fall. Most helmets with a smooth outer shell distribute the impact over a large area of the helmet. The result is that impact from a fall is spread around the entire surface of the helmet rather than an intense blow to a single spot. Underneath, an expanded polystyrene liner (the same material used in beverage coolers) absorbs and reduces the impact energy distributed by the shell. A helmet absorbs energy by crushing the inner liner and, in the case of a really severe impact, by crushing the outer shell. (That's why once your helmet experiences a major impact, you need to replace it; its shock absorption qualities are usually good only for one major blow.) Helmets offer other benefits, as well:

Visibility You're easier to see with a colorful headpiece on, especially at dusk, in rain or fog, or after dark. Putting reflective trim tape on the helmet or wearing a neon helmet cover makes you even more visible.

Image When you wear a helmet, motorists will expect you to ride correctly, since you'll look like you know what you're doing. So, as if you needed another reason, observe the rules of the road and help contribute to cyclists as solid citizens rather than scofflaws.

Climate Protection A helmet will help keep your head dry in rain or snow. If you have to cycle in bad weather, this will help to make your riding much more enjoyable.

Emergency Data Put your name, address, phone number and any medical condition requiring emergency care on a piece of tape inside your helmet. You'll have this information with you every time you ride and won't have to remember to transfer it from one jersey pocket to another.

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