Allenhurst motorcycle riders should always think safety, and one important component to preserving your life while riding your bike on a New Jersey highway is finding the right motorcycle helmet. But how can you be sure your helmet will provide the proper protection and not hamper your performance on your bike? Jalopnik.com suggests a few ways to evaluate a helmet when you seek to buy one.
First, do not purchase a motorcycle helmet right away. The best helmet is the one that provides the best fit. Any other consideration is secondary. A helmet that is too loose will spin around on your head and block your vision, and a tight helmet will not let you turn your head when you need to. It is a good idea to shop for a helmet at a physical retail outlet so you can try on the helmet first. The helmet should feel firm on your head but not apply too much pressure. Helmets should also not possess gaps between the cyclist’s head and the interior of the helmet unless they exist for the cyclist’s ears.
Even if the helmet fits well, pay attention to how heavy the helmet is. Even if the helmet does not feel heavy at first, remember that you will be wearing it for prolonged periods of time. Each turn of direction will apply some pressure to your neck. If the helmet is too heavy, you may experience muscle pains or headaches after a period of wear. Visibility is also crucial. A visor should be strong enough to deflect wind and other small debris that may fly through the air in everyday driving conditions, yet be optically clear enough to give you proper vision on the road. If you find yourself leaning forward to get a better view of the road ahead, you may need a new and better visor.
Finally, shortly after you purchase the helmet, wear it while sitting on your motorcycle. Change positions as you sit on it. Think of every conceivable posture you would need to take while riding on the road. If your helmet impedes your movement, you may have a problem when it comes time to change lanes, take a left or right turn, or pass a vehicle. A lack of proper flexibility on your bike can leave you more vulnerable to a motorcycle accident and serious injury.
This article is intended to educate readers on motorcycle road safety and should not be read as legal advice.
