A motorcycle helmet is meant to protect the wearer’s head from trauma and injuries. Injuries are often a result of a collision with objects such as trees, rocks, or other vehicles. If a person falls off of their motorcycle without wearing a helmet, the head can be severely injured or even killed. With that being said, here are some facts about motorcycle helmets that may have been overlooked.
What a Helmet is Made Of
A helmet is made up of a hard outer shell, and a thick layer of foam inside. The outer shell is designed to absorb the impact from an accident. The foam absorbs the force of the impact and spreads it out across the helmet’s surface, limiting the head’s exposure to injury in case of an accident.
The helmet also has air vents that reduce pressure on your skull. This helps with your balance and decreases the strain placed on your neck muscles while riding.
The Different Types of Helmets
The three main types of helmets include full-face, open face, and modular. Full-face helmets cover the head from chin to forehead and have a built-in chin bar that protects the nose and cheeks. Open face helmets only cover the head from the forehead to the jaw line and do not have a chin bar. Modular helmets are made of several sections that are interchangeable depending on your preference for safety and comfort.
There are also different levels of protection in motorcycle helmets. Levels range from level one to level five, with level five being the most protective option.
5 Importance of Wearing Helmets
- Motorcycle riders are three times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants.
- Helmets can reduce the risk of concussion or even death by up to 85%.
- Helmets can reduce the risk of fractures of the face, jaw, and skull in motorcycle crashes by as much as 70%.
- Head injuries accounted for 14% of all cycling fatalities in 2014. These included traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fatal head injuries.
- Wearing helmets increases motorcyclist’s chances of surviving a crash by 50%.
Proper Wearing of Helmets
A motorcycle helmet should be worn correctly. The helmet should also be adjusted so that it sits snugly against the wearer’s head. If a helmet is not worn properly, it could cause significant injury to the wearer or others in the event of an accident. If a rider falls without wearing their helmet, they will likely suffer from serious head injuries.
The importance of wearing a helmet is to stay safe while riding a motorcycle. Besides, there are a lot of options available and you can have the one that will suit your needs and your budget.