Simple Steps for Picking a Safe Motorcycle Helmet by K. Bernard
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.
Figuring out whether a helmet will actually stay on your head properly in the event
of a crash is one of the important tests you should perform when selecting a helmet
to purchase. Tighten the chin-strap and see if you're able to roll the helmet off
your head in any way. If the helmet fails this retention test, keep shopping.
Finding a helmet that is properly sized is a key component to ensuring retention
during a crash. Full faced helmets should comfortably support your head, jaw and
cheeks. Some helmet models may fit the shape of your head better than others so
if you feel like a helmet is uncomfortable, keep trying on different models until
you find the one that fits your head best. If a helmet is either too big or too
small, you may uncomfortable or even less inclined to use the helmet in the first
place. If a helmet isn't comfortable in the store, it's going to be even less comfortable
on a long road trip. A helmet that fits too tight can even trigger headaches.
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.
By taking the time to shop around and try on multiple helmets to find the right
fit, along with purchasing a full-face DOT certified helmet, you greatly diminish
the chances of suffering from brain injury in the event of an accident.
About the Author
K. Bernard is a recognized expert Seattle personal
injury lawyer. For more information about auto accidents visit his website
about Los Angeles personal injury attorney.