Determining a Safe vs. Unsafe Motorcycle Helmet
Even the most experienced riders know that it can be dangerous to get out there on the road. Riding without the proper safety equipment means you’re taking an even bigger risk. One of your most important pieces of safety equipment: the helmet.
Most states have some sort of helmet law on the books; laws that have been proven to reduce the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in those states. In fact, fatal accidents have been shown to be 10 times as high in states that don’t require helmets compared to those that do.
But not all helmets are created equal. Some meet the rigorous safety standards, while others merely look good on top of your head. Your motorcycle accident attorney in the Dallas, Texas area lays out what you should know when purchasing a helmet.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety by Type
When choosing a helmet, you have a choice between half, three fourths, and full face. These various styles are designed to provide between maximum freedom and maximum protection.
The full face motorcycle helmet is the only one that will provide maximum protection. Protection not only against bugs and weather, but also against chin impacts. Neither the three fourths nor the half have a chin bar to protect the jaw; a feature that is desired considering fifty percent of severe impacts involve the chin.
Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards
Here in the US we have different standards than around the world. Normally, any helmet that you find for sale locally in Texas should be one that is certified according to the US safety standards. However, if you happen to order one online, you will want to double check the rating system to ensure that it meets at least the minimums.
There are two main certifications that you want to look for in your motorcycle helmet.
D.O.T. Certification – The Department of Transportation has come up with a minimum standard that every manufacturer must comply with to be certified for sale in the US. Of course, knock-offs abound, and ordering from overseas can mean that foreign manufacturers can get around these guidelines.
The D.O.T. helmet standard certification is done in labs, and may not reflect real life impact scenarios. For those truly serious about ensuring that the safety of their noggin comes first, they want to go with a more rigorous certification.
Snell Memorial Foundation Certification – The Snell Foundation Certification is a third party certification, and not required for sale in the US. But because they care deeply about the safety of riding, this foundation has created a rigorous test that will ensure your head is as safe as can be in a worst case scenario.
When safety is your primary concern, you want a helmet that is going to offer the best protection. You can read all about the tests and requirements from the 2020 Helmet Standards.
Herbert & Eberstein Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Dallas
When motorcycle accidents happen, the right safety equipment and techniques can mean the difference between life and death. But even with outstanding gear, injuries are almost inevitable.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney on your side to guide you through the process so that you are fully compensated for your loss. With the experience necessary, Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein can do just that; they make sure no details are missed.
Need to learn more? It starts with a free conversation. Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or simply fill out the contact form.