Motorcycle Helmet Certification
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires motorcycle helmets sold in the United States to meet minimum performance levels defined in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Wearing a motorcycle helmet that does not comply with DOT standards is unsafe and illegal.
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Features
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The DOT tests motorcycle helmets each year to ensure compliance with FMVSS. FMVSS regulations require helmets to absorb a certain amount of impact energy, stay fastened in an accident and prevent penetration of objects. DOT-approved helmets have DOT stickers on the back of the helmet.
Considerations
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Some manufacturers create counterfeit DOT stickers to place on unapproved helmets. If you aren't sure whether your helmet is approved, check for a label with information about the manufacturer. In addition, make sure your helmet has an inner lining measuring about an inch thick. DOT-approved helmets usually weigh about three pounds.
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Significance
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Wearing an effective motorcycle helmet reduces your risk of dying in an accident by 37 percent. As of 2010, 20 states and the District of Columbia legally require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, and 27 more states require certain motorcyclists to wear helmets.
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