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How To Pick A Motorcycle Helmet

Florida has the most motorcycle fatalities of any state in the United States. Most of these fatalities can be avoided with a motorcycle helmet. Even though the state of Florida does not legally require riders to wear a helmet, they are still crucial for the safety of motorcyclists. Helmets provide protection against traumatic brain injury and death. However, not all helmets are built the same. There are several things you need to look for when picking out a helmet. So here is a guide to picking a functional and safe motorcycle helmet:

Types Of Helmets

You first need to understand the differences between the various types of helmets available for riders. Some helmet styles provide more coverage, so they are safer. Here are the types of helmets and how safe they are:
  • Dual Sport: Dual sport helmets are usually worn by motocross riders and offer the most protection of any helmet. Dual sport helmets cover the entire head and face. There is usually a visor on the top of the head and an extended chin bar to provide extra protection against impact as well as road debris. Usually dual sport helmets are paired with goggles to protect the eyes, though some models come with a visor shield.
  • Full Face: Full face helmets covers your entire head from the base of the back of the skull to the front chin. Full face helmets usually have a visor shield that can be lifted up and down.
  • Modular: Modular helmets are a type of full face helmet where the chin bar flips up. They are usually worn with the chin bar down and then lift up when the rider stops so they can easily communicate without having to remove the helmet. Modular helmets are still relatively new to the market and so there is still some question on whether or not they provide the same protection as a full face helmet.
  • Open Face: An open face helmet covers the whole head but does not have a chin bar. Since the face is exposed, they are less safe than full face helmets, but do offer decent protection against traumatic brain injury.
  • Half Shell: Half shell helmets provide the least amount of protection of any helmet They only cover the top of the skull and can easily be knocked off during an accident.

DOT Certification

Any helmet you purchase needs to have Department of Transportation (DOT) Certification. The DOT will send the helmet to an independent lab to do rigorous safety testing. If the helmet passes this testing, it earns a DOT certification. Helmets may have other forms of safety certification, but DOT certification is the only truly reliable safety metric. If a helmet has DOT certification, there will usually be a DOT sticker on the back of the helmet. So make sure any helmet you buy has this sticker.

Picking Out A Helmet

There are a lot of factors that go into making the decision about what helmet you choose. You may want a certain style or color, you may have a certain price range, or want certain features like vents or sunshade visors. Regardless of what you want, when you pick a helmet you need to make sure it fits correctly or it will not work. To ensure an accurate fit you need to try a helmet on. Once you try it on see if the helmet moves back and forth, if it does you need a smaller size. You can also see if you can fit your fingers between the helmet and your head. If you can, you need a smaller size. You also need to make sure the chin strap fits and can be attached easily and securely. Motorcycle helmets can severely reduce the chances of a motorcycle fatality. However, there are still times where you may end up injured in a motorcycle accident. If that happens you need to contact a personal injury attorney. Our experience lawyers are All Injuries Law Firm help you can get the compensation you need after a motorcycle accident, so you can get back up and ride again.