Choose Helmet for Motorcycle
Investing in and wearing the proper safety gear can dramatically decrease your odds of suffering from a brain injury in the event of a motorcycle accident. Considering that the majority of fatal accidents involving motorcyclists are due to irreparable brain damage, it’s obvious why wearing a certified helmet that fits properly is the single most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe in a motorcycle accident. Other safety gear such as a leather jacket, long leather pants, gloves and boots can help you avoid suffering from painful abrasions known as road rash. These are some basic tips for choosing the best helmet provided by Motorcycle Cruiser magazine.
Facilities around the country put all the helmets on the market through a battery of tests to see which helmets would hold up during an accident. One of the most critical tests they run is the drop test to see if a helmet would truly protect your skull upon major impact. The Department of Transportation uses these findings to determine which helmets will be certified as safe by their standards. While the helmets that aren’t DOT certified are still available for purchase on the market, it’s in your best interest to steer clear of them.
Helmet retention is essential in keeping you safe during an accident. Retention refers to the helmets ability to remain secure on your head. If a helmet comes off when you’re in a crash, it’s not serving it’s purpose. You can check a helmet’s retention by securing the chin strap and trying to roll the helmet off of your head. If it comes off easily, you can be sure it wouldn’t stay on during an accident. Keep on searching for a helmet that can pass this test.
Comfort and sizing are two other important factors to consider when purchasing a helmet. A well-fitting helmet will snugly surround your head, cheek bones and jaw without squeezing too tight. Keep in mind that every manufacturer’s helmet will fit differently, so if the first helmet you try on doesn’t fit, don’t be discouraged. A properly fitting helmet is key for retention in an accident. If a helmet is too tight or uncomfortable, you’ll be less likely to use it every time you go out and ride. You’re better off taking the extra time to shop around for a helmet that you’ll be truly happy with and inclined to use.
Studies done by UCLA determined that one in four motorcycle riders involved in an accident suffered facial injuries. The “Annals of Emergency Medicine” found in their studies that those motorcyclists with facial injuries were almost four times as likely to have sustained brain injuries as well. Those with actual facial fractures were 6.5 times as likely to have incurred brain trauma. These findings bring evidence to the necessity of wearing a helmet with a full face shield to protect your face from damage and in turn protect your brain.
It’s definitely in your best interest to take the time to try on multiple helmets to find a DOT certified full-face helmet that is the perfect fit. Wearing the proper helmet is by far the easiest thing you can do to ensure your safety while riding a motorcycle. Since motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in an accident, it’s important to take extra steps to protect yourself.