Most people fancy the idea of riding down the highway with the wind blowing through their hair and eyes. While that may seem like a nice thing to do, riding a motorcycle without the right gear can significantly reduce your chances of surviving a crash.
The helmet is the most important of all motorcycle riding gear. While it may seem inconvenient, it can be the difference between life and death in a crash.
According to statistics, motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than motorists. Most of these fatalities result from trauma to the head,something wearing a helmet can significantly reduce.
What the Statistics Say
According to the CDC, over 5,500 motorcycle riders died on American roads, with another 180,000 seeking treatment for crash-related injuries in 2020. The CDC report also showed that helmets saved over 1,800 lives in 2017 and could have saved over 700 more had all motorcyclists worn their helmets at the time of the accident.
Helmet usage is not for riders only. It is more effective at protecting passengers than it does for riders. The CDC puts helmet effectiveness in preventing death at 37 percent for riders and 41 percent for passengers. Also, it has been shown to reduce the risk of a head injury by 69 percent.
Different states have different approaches to helmet use. In some states, all riders must wear helmets when riding a motorcycle on a public road. Others require helmets for younger riders and passengers while allowing adult riders to choose between wearing one and not wearing one. “Irrespective of the law of your state, wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle or any other two-wheeled vehicle on the road is a good idea,” says motorcycle accident lawyer Gregory Erpenbeck of Busald Funk Zevely.
Types of Helmets
While wearing a helmet can help protect you from injury or even death resulting from trauma to the head, all helmets do not offer the same level of protection. Helmets come in three designs: full-face, modular, and half-face.
A full-face helmet is the most preferred and recommended type because it covers the entire head and the face. Also, it guarantees the highest level of protection in an accident. This headgear features a chin bar, which is a rather subtle but distinguishing feature that protects the chin, which encounters 50 percent of severe impact in an accident.
A half-face helmet only shields the head but leaves the face exposed. While not recommended, a half-face helmet can be the best option for people who feel suffocated when using a full-face helmet. If you enjoy riding with the wind blowing into your face, a half-face helmet is what you need.
The modular helmet comes between full-face and half-face helmets. Like full-face helmets, they cover the head and the face. However modular, you can open the front part by flipping the visor and chin bar. It can be relatively heavier than a full-face helmet but offers inferior protection because of its hinges. The modular helmet is a good fit if you are looking for both safety and comfort.
Besides type, the quality of the helmet matters a lot. The NHTSA recommends ensuring that the helmet you buy is DOT-approved. Also, it is important to buy a helmet in person so that you test it to ensure it is a good fit because the size also matters in safety.
