In a motorcycle accident, there are few protections to riders. One of the main protections that a motorcyclist has is his or her helmet. The right helmet could save your life or protect you from serious injuries.
How do you know if you have a safe motorcycle helmet? How can you choose a helmet that will protect you during an accident?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tips on how to choose a safe motorcycle helmet.
Check the safety ratings
Your helmet should have the DOT symbol on the back. The DOT symbol indicates that the helmet meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. While the NHTSA relies on self-certification from helmet manufacturers, they also conduct random testing. Likewise, any helmets that receive complaints and then fail to meet the standards undergo a recall.
Learn your helmet fit
The right motorcycle helmet will fit your head properly. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, there are three factors to consider:
- Size
- Shape
- Style
The size and shape are the most important elements to a helmet that protects your skull from injuries. Everyone has a different head. Helmets come in round oval, long oval and intermediate oval to accommodate all head shapes. Use a mirror or ask your friend to look down at your head to determine your shape.
With the wrong-sized helmet, you are not safe. Measure your head with a cloth tape. Wrap the cloth tape above your eyebrows and around the thickest part of the back of your head. A loose helmet will not sit correctly on your head.
