Experienced. Resourceful. Effective.

Exterior of Office Building of VanNess & VanNess , P.A .

How can you choose the right motorcycle helmet?

While traveling on the open road, motorcycle accidents can occur at any time.

However, knowing more about helmets and how to choose the best fit for you is one way to prevent severe brain injury in the event of a crash.

Check the size

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, knowing the size of your head is essential while choosing a helmet. If your helmet is too loose, it could easily cause more complications if you crash. Surprisingly, it is nearly ineffective if it is too tight. Measuring the outside of the top of your head is one way to determine what type of oval fit you need for your helmet.

Note the safety ratings

The Department of Transportation has set up legal guidelines and safety standards for each helmet sold. If your helmet meets the requirements, it will likely have a sticker on the back stating so. Looking for this sticker while shopping for helmets can help you determine if it meets those specific baseline standards for design.

Some helmets are only for novelty collectors and may have a fake sticker on the back. You should not wear these devices out on the road since they will not provide the protection you need in the event of a crash.

Avoid any dangerous designs

Thin, skullcap-like helmets and ones without an inner lining are usually unsafe to use on the road, and you should avoid them. Long visors and decorations on top of the helmet can also be detrimental to your vision, and the DOT has standards for how tall or long each decoration should be. Checking the official standards can help you narrow down your search for the best helmet for you.

Archives

FindLaw Network