How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

Many states now require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets on public streets, highways and freeways.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Traffic Rule Books
• Motorcycles
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Select helmets that fit snugly all the way around.

2. Find helmets with strong straps with two rings to fasten them. Snap fasteners can unsnap in an accident.

3. Buy a helmet that's a bright color such as red, white, yellow or orange.

4. Consider a helmet made of a reflective material or one that has reflective tape on the back and sides.

5. Purchase helmets that are free of defects such as cracks, loose padding, frayed straps or exposed metal.

6. Look for the "Snell" approval sticker inside; the Snell Memorial Foundation puts helmets through rigorous safety tests.

Tips & Warnings

• Always fasten your helmet firmly. A loose-fitting helmet is just as dangerous as no helmet at all.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Ask a Motorcycle Mechanic Online Now

[rudyrat]

on 1/18/2009 How can I prove that I had MC endorsement from another state?

[cglennon]

on 8/15/2008 The padding inside a helmet will compress 10%-15% over time, so a new helmet should fit snug. With the helmet on, hold it stationary and try to move your head left and right. The helmet may be too big if you can insert your fingers between your face and padding, during this manuver.

[ftl900]

on 7/28/2008 Try on the helmet for a few minutes, if you can. After 5-10 minutes, peel the helmet off and look at your forehead- okay, look in a mirror at your forehead. If there's a red mark across there within a few minutes, chances are you'll have a headache within 30 minutes of wear. Try a different size or brand- not all helmets are shaped the same.

on 11/22/2005 Motorcyclist magazine has run a test of the certification standards themselves. The results, described in Dexter Ford's June 2005 article "Motorcycle Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off" show that DOT only approved helmets (non Snell approved) provide as good, if not better protection than Snell approved helmets in the overwhelming majority of real world accidents. The short of it is that Snell standards, being more rigorous, actually force designers to create helmets that protect against unrealistically intense crashes at the expense of their products energy abortion potential lower speed crashes that represent over 90% of real world accidents. Find this article online or at your local library before purchasing a Snell approved helmet.

on 11/22/2005 Select the helmet of your choice (open face, full face, or half helmet). However, remember this old saying: "$10.00 helmet, $10.00 head." What's yours worth?