Take Responsibility And Wear A Motorcycle Helmet

Take Responsibility And Wear A Motorcycle Helmet

By David Fishman

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when comparing a automobile to a motorcycle rider the motorcycle rider has a 35 percent greater chance of getting hurt or dying in a automobile accident compared to a driver in a automobile. When wearing a helmet it is less likely that the motorcyclists will receive a serious head injury and more likely to survive the accident according to the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Safety helmets for motorcycle users are the law in many states, optional in others. Especially so if the helmet is rated for safety and is properly fit to the wearer. Safety is what it's all about right.
When wearing a motorcycle helmet it will protect your head against the following, it protects your face, your ears and you are able to have an intercom system to talk to others. A helmet protects your head and your face from injuries. There are many different types of helmets ranging from helmets that have a face guard and helmets that have an open face so you can feel the wind on your face, helmets can be customized to your specifications. Looking for full face helmets can be a challenge. On helmets the face shield can retract by lifting up and down.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of the road, wind, and open air. They often enjoy the freedom and speed motorcycles provide. In recent years, many steps have been made to educate motorcyclists on the importance of safety. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide little protection in the case of collisions or other accidents while on the road. While clothing such as protective jackets, leggings, and boots help protect riders from injury, nothing provides more protection against serious injury than the motorcycle helmet.

It is important for anyone riding a motorcycle to choose a proper helmet, and it is important for manufacturers and vendors to provide the highest-quality products, free of defects. Studies show that helmets greatly help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents. That said, not all helmets are "created equal" and there are specific qualities that should be taken into consideration when choosing one for your protection.

Motorcycle Helmet Tips:

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, it is wise to test several different types and brands before purchase. The discerning rider should look for:

• Adequate weight/feel of the helmet. Helmets weighing less than one pound typically do not provide enough material for adequate protection. Look for a helmet with more significant weight, but do not choose one that severely limits your range of motion.

• Inner liner of at least one-inch thickness. Federal safety standards require at least an inch thickness of polystyrene foam. Helmets with soft foam or little padding will not provide enough protection in the event of a crash or collision.

• Proper motorcycle helmets will have sturdy chinstraps with solid rivets. Before purchase, examine the quality of the strap and the securing mechanisms to ensure solid construction.

• It is important to choose helmets with safe design. Objects such as spikes, decorations, or other protruding objects are unsafe. Visors are acceptable, but as a general rule, no object should protrude more than two-tenths of an inch from the helmet.

• Helmets should feature the appropriate compliance stickers on the outside and inside. It is important to note that some vendors provide imitation safety stickers on novelty helmets that do not comply with federal safety standards.

Although many motorcycle enthusiasts take pride in their individuality and free spirit, safety should always be practiced when operating a motorcycle. By purchasing the proper helmet, cyclists and their passengers can make sure they live to ride another day.

Motorcycle Helmet Lock

On the last month off 2008 I was riding along a long stretch of road in the back country of the high lands, so I decided to take a pit stop and leave my helmet on my bike not thinking about someone taking it when I return to my bike to my surprise it was gone this is why I decided to buy a motorcycle helmet lock with this new motorcycle helmet lock my helmet will remain safe so if you had your helmet stolen go get one.

My helmet was never to be seen again but I know it will never happen to me again because of the helmet lock that I just got but the sad part is this is happening all over the world and we need to let the world know that we will unite and stop this from happening.

One of the good things that came out of this was that i was able to save one of my friends from having his stolen as well.

Two week after some young kid try to take his helmet off his bike but the day before I bought him a motorcycle helmet lock, it really works.

What would have happen if I did not buy that lock he would have his helmet stolen just like mine but well will unit and stop this from happening if you don’t have a helmet lock get one for you and your friends.

Motorcycle Helmet - Sometimes It's the Law To Wear A Helmet

Motorcycle Helmet - Sometimes It's the Law To Wear A Helmet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or also known as NHTSA says that when comparing riders on a motorcycle and those in an automobile the rider of the motorcycle is 35% more likely to get injured or killed in an accident that involves another automobile compared to the lower rate of injury or death of the rider in the automobile. If the motorcycle rider is wearing a motorcycle helmet he is not as likely to sustain serious head injuries and has a greater chance of surviving the accident.

In many state wearing a motorcycle helmet has become a requirement while in other states it is still up to the rider to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. Even though wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required in some states many riders still choose to wear them simply for the safety and protection the helmet gives them. By making sure the helmet fits the rider correctly his head is greater protected against injury in the event of an accident. For almost every motorcycle rider, safety is extremely important.

For some riders the desire to wear a helmet is more than the protection they offer. They like the ability to wear helmets that are equipt with a communication system. These systems allow the riders in a group to communicate with each other without having to yell over the roar of their bikes and traffic. It is also hands free making it safer for the rider since he does not have to remove either hand from the handles of his bike. This feature alone is why some motorcycle riders choose to wear a helmet.

Even if you would rather not wear a motorcycle helmet the amount of protection they provide might just win you over. Not to mention that there is such a wide range of styles, colors and protection levels offered that most riders just can't say no to wearing a helmet. Maybe you're a person who would rather be able to feel the wind of the open road touching your face instead of a helmet. Why not try a helmet that has an open face so you can still feel the wind but also be protected? For those who would rather have their face protected from rocks, sand or anything else that might fly your way while riding then you can choose a helmet with a face shield that flips down to cover your face.

Many motorcycle riders fear helmets because they think that the helmet will be uncomfortable to wear. In prior years that might have been the case but just as everything else motorcycle helmets have also advanced. They are not only made for protection now but also for comfort. Most helmets will have a foam or fabric interior making them much more comfortable, allowing you to wear them for longer lengths of time. Not only does the interior lining offer more comfort but it also offers the wearer more protection in the long run.

The most important feature that you need to pay attention to when choosing a helmet is not the price but the protection factors that the helmet offers in the event the rider is in an accident. Most people assume that the most expensive helmet is going to be the best helmet but that is not always the case. Before you purchase a helmet check out the protection features, if they are not listed on the helmet ask your sales person or contact the manufacture for more information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that there is about a 40% chance that a motorcycle rider who is in an accident without wearing a helmet will have a serious head injury. They also say that out of that 40% there is also another 15% chance that the rider without a helmet will be fatally injured from a head injury. While some riders dislike the idea of having to wear a helmet these facts alone are enough to make most riders choose to wear a helmet every time they fire up their motorcycle.

From: articlesbase.com

Motorcycle Helmet - Proper Fitting

Motorcycle Helmet - Proper Fitting

It is essential when purchasing a motorcycle helmet to ensure it is a proper fit. Not all helmets are made the same. So keep in mind as you are reading that you may wear a medium from one manufacturer and a large from another. What one manufacturer calls a medium, another calls a large, even though they may be the same physical size inside the helmet. For safety reasons and for comfort, it is imperative to get the proper fitting helmet. After all, this is the most important piece of motorcycle gear worn.

Thinking about purchasing a motorcycle helmet? Then keep reading. Do not take the manufacturers labeled size for granted unless you want to make a second trip to your motorcycle dealer. Below is a list of necessary steps you should take in determining the proper size for your head.

1. Measuring the head is a starting point for the entire helmet sizing procedure. Due to varying shapes, heads that are apparently the same size when measured by a tape may not necessarily fit the same size motorcycle helmet. So remember, this is a rough guide and a starting point, and depending upon your head shape, this step alone may not provide a perfect fit.

a) Using a cloth tape measure is best, but any tape measure will work.

b) The circumference of the head should be measured at a point approximately one inch above the eyebrows in front, and at a point in the back of the head that results in the largest possible measurement. Take several measurements, to make sure you have the largest one.

2. Hat Size – Use your hat size as another starting gauge in determining motorcycle helmet size.

3. Select a motorcycle helmet to try on based upon your head measurement and hat size. Most helmets have printed on the sizing tag either the inside diameter of the helmet, the hat size, or both. If your measurement and hat size are exactly between two sizes, round up to the next largest size as a starting point.

4. Now that you have the helmet on your head, it is time for the visual check.

a. Your eyes should be approximately in the center, with the top edge of the liner padding just above the eyebrows.

b. Now that you are wearing the helmet, use a mirror to look carefully at the way it fits. Check to see if the cheek pads are in contact with the cheeks. Is there excess pressure on the cheeks? Look for gaps between the temples and the brow pad. Check the back of the helmet where the neck roll (if the helmet has one) makes contact with the neck. Does it touch at all? Or is it pushing the helmet away at the rear, causing it to roll down over the eyes in front?

5. After you have made your visual check, grab the helmet in your hands, one on either side of the helmet, and try to rotate the helmet from side-to-side. Note any movement of the skin while doing this, as well as the amount of resistance to movement. Hold your head steady to do this.

Next check movement up and down, again noting skin movement and resistance. If in either test there was little or no skin movement, and/or the helmet moved very easily, the helmet is too large. A properly fitted motorcycle helmet will cause the skin to move as the helmet moves. And, it will feel to the wearer as if evenly distributed pressure is being continuously exerted around the head. Keep in mind that helmets, like shoes, will break in over time. For this reason, the best approach is to select a helmet that is as snug as possible, and take into consideration the length of time it will be worn.
For Example: A drag racer's helmet can be very tight, because it will only be worn for a few minutes at a time. On the other hand, a police officer, who wears a helmet for hours at a time is more concerned with comfort.

6. Retention Check – THIS TEST IS VERY IMPORTANT. Now fasten the chin strap, so you can check it. After the strap has been tightly fastened, hold your head steady, and note that this test may be a little uncomfortable, but that it is very important. Reach over the top of the helmet, grabbing the bottom edge with your fingers. Then try to roll the helmet off your head. If it comes off, it is undoubtedly too large. Do not use a helmet that can be rolled off the head with the strap fastened! Go to the next smaller size and go back to step number four.

7. Confirming Proper Fit. One way to confirm your evaluation of proper fit is to try on motorcycle helmets that are one size larger and one size smaller than the one you think is right. Keep in mind that people gravitate towards larger sizes, so don’t be afraid to go smaller and snugger as long as the helmet is comfortable and fits the type of riding you do.

8. When shopping on the internet for motorcycle helmets, only purchase from web sites that provide a sizing chart for that particular brand of helmet. Do not rely on a “catch-all” sizing chart because as stated earlier, sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The sizing chart should contain the head circumference and associated helmet size, and possibly a hat size comparison. If you are still not sure what size to get and want to purchase from the internet because of low prices or availability, go to your local motorcycle dealer and try the helmet on first.

From: ezinearticle.com

Perfect Motorcycle Helmet

Four Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Motorcycle Helmet

By Brian Benko

Whether you're in the market for your first motorcycle helmet or just for a new, updated version, many factors exist in finding the perfect choice. Comfort, safety, convenience and fit are all important when choosing motorcycle gear. After all, the safest motorcycle gear you can buy is the gear you will wear.

The Perfect Fit

One of the most important steps in choosing a helmet is trying it on for size. Effectiveness and safety are largely dependent on making sure the fit is correct. Make sure that the helmet fits snugly. If you find a style or design you like, but the fit is not quite right, ask about other padding options. Many times, you can adjust the fits by adding or changing padding inside the helmet.

When judging fit, also to pay close attention to the chin strap. The strap should fit comfortably. It should be tight, but not uncomfortable, around your ears and under your chin. The strap should be adjusted so that the helmet doesn't shift back and forth or from side to side on your head.

Your motorcycle helmet should sit low on the forehead, with the edge just above the eyebrow. If you're not sure if it is sitting correctly, have a salesperson or experienced friend look at it for you. When shopping for your first helmet, consider a visit to a specialty store where employees can help you figure out the best fit.

Ride in Comfort

An uncomfortable motorcycle helmet can totally ruin your riding experience. The best way to find the most comfortable fit is to try on multiple styles before making a choice. With something designed to fit so tightly, comfort can be tricky, but is also very important to making your rides pleasant and fun. Don't be discouraged if it takes visiting a few stores to find the right fit.

Several factors contribute to helmet comfort. Make sure the padding is soft and in constant contact with your head. The padding should create a solid seal around your ears that doesn't cover the entire ear. It should also feature a neck roll that cradles the back of your head.

A good fitting helmet may seem tight when you try it on and try to shift it on your head. There are foam shells inside that seal out wind and noise which are smaller than the actual shell. You never want a helmet to shift around on your head, snug fitting helmets help prevent neck injuries.

Safe and Sound

Comfort is important, but safety should be your top priority. In the US, there are only four states that are 100 percent free of motorcycle helmet laws. Twenty states have full motorcycle helmet laws, and 19 more have laws for riders over 18.

One way to make sure you're complying with the law is to purchase head gear that is DOT approved, or that meets a standard like the Snell certification. The Snell Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps develop and test safety standards. By considering these guidelines, you will ensure your head gear is reliable and tested.

Another way to get information is to search for reviews online or in magazines and learn about the motorcycle helmet crash tests. Ask experienced riders about their head gear of choice and why they chose it as their favorite. Extensive research will help you make the most informed decision possible.

Considering Cost

"You get what you pay for" is a common saying for a reason. In choosing a motorcycle helmet, it's best not to just go for the cheapest option you can find. Instead of looking for the least expensive, search for a good deal. Decide before making a choice what your price range is, then look for the best helmet within your price range.

Do your research. Try several on for fit, and consider investing the maximum amount you can afford. An investment in a good motorcycle helmet is also an investment in your enjoyment and safety.

Cheap Motorcycle Helmet

Finding a Cheap Motorcycle Helmet

By Low Jeremy

A cheap motorcycle helmet doesn't have to be inferior to the more expensive ones. It is just a matter of looking for what kind of motorcycle helmets would work best for you. There are cheap motorcycle helmets that can perform just as well as the most popular brands out there. In order to look for them, you should be able to know how to find those helmets and what features and qualities to look for.

One of the most important features that you should look for in looking for a cheap motorcycle helmet is the comfort that it provides. The motorcycle helmet can either make or break your riding experience. An uncomfortable helmet can make any ride an agonizing experience. Helmet comfort is difficult to determine right away. In order to make your search easier, try checking out cheap but recognizable brands which are generally the most comfortable.

Check out also the soft rubber padding touching your head as well as the solid seal around the ears. Check out also the neck roll which cradles the back of your head and neck. When trying out a cheap motorcycle helmet, make sure that it snugly fits into your head without being too constricting. But also make sure that it isn't loose enough to shift about your head.

Another feature that you should look for in a cheap motorcycle helmet is the level of safety that it can provide. The best motorcycle helmets are those that provide the most protection. In finding the best helmet for you, check for the fit as well as the interior padding that can provide you with the protection that you need. See to it that these interior pads can help provide the amount of safety and protection that you are looking for as well as comfort.

Try also checking out the helmets chin strap which must reach around your and under your chin comfortably and securely so that the helmet would not shift about unnecessarily. Make sure that your helmet is also the best fitted for you by wearing it yourself. A good fit should mean a helmet that is settled low on the forehead and just above your eyebrows.

Check yourself in the mirror while wearing the helmet to make sure that it is straight and properly fitted. For safety purposes, be sure to choose a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet to be sure that your safety and protection is guaranteed. Try checking the safety ratings of the helmets that you are checking to ensure that you will be using a helmet with reliable head coverage.

Choosing Motorcycle Helmet

Choosing The Right Motorcycle Helmet for You

By Peter Furman

When it comes to choosing the right motorcycle helmet the first thing to consider is safety. First, the helmet should at least be DOT approved. Yes, those "brain buckets" you see at bike shows with flames and skulls definitely look cool. However they are not DOT approved and afford you no protection in the event of a crash. Pay a few dollars more for the safer, DOT approved helmet. Your life is worth it. A further, more stringent Snell certification is even safer. Snell Memorial Foundation has published a list of standards that must be met in order to be Snell certified. While it is definitely safer, it will also add significantly to the cost of the helmet and is not necessary for a perfectly safe, reliable motorcycle helmet.

Fit is the next factor to pay attention to with your helmet. This is actually closely tied to safety. A helmet that is too loose risks flying off at high speeds. It also may come off during even a small impact. On the other hand, a helmet which is too tight causes unnecessary fatigue and headaches. In the case of full face helmets, one that is too tight may even impair vision. Finally, the fit of the helmet is critical to riding comfort. Either too loose or too tight will decrease the enjoyment of your ride and isn't "fun" one of the main reasons you're riding?

Once you have purchased a safe, comfortable helmet it is vitally important you treat it with the proper care. Always make sure to set your helmet down on a secure surface when your bike is parked. If your helmet ever happens to fall to the pavement -- I'm sorry. You must discard it immediately. Once a helmet has been dropped the structural integrity is compromised. You can no longer be sure the helmet will do its job of protecting you should you be in a crash. Also, for this reason, never purchase used helmets. No matter what the owner says, there must be a reason he or she is selling it.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when picking out your new motorcycle helmet. After all, it will become your constant riding companion and will be of critical importance in the event of a crash. Isn't it worth it to choose wisely?

Buying a Motorcycle Helmet

Buying a Motorcycle Helmet - Key Facts to Remember

For some for motorcycle riders, buying a helmet is an easy enough task - they just walk into a store, find a branded helmet that looks good, is inexpensive and that's it. Else they may rely on their friends, family members or even the dealers selling the helmets to make up their minds. After a few cursory looks at all the helmets, they have made a decision and a helmet is bought.
However for all those who know what a crucial part of motorcycle safety a helmet is, and who have read up all they can about buying proper helmets, this can be a fairly daunting task. Helmet buying is serious business indeed, in fact, your very life depends on it but with some key facts in hand, you need not find the task daunting any more.

What Helmet To Buy

If you have ever wondered if a helmet is all that important as it is made out to be, stop this very instant and take a look at some of the statistics of motorcycle accidents the world over. Studies both from the U.S. and all over the world clearly show that all those riders who had helmets on crashed less frequently than those who did not, and even if they did crash, they suffered far fewer injuries and deaths. Motorcycle riders with helmets could protect themselves from serious injuries like long-term or permanent disabilities caused by suffering head or neck injuries during a motorcycle crash. So, yes a motorcycle helmet is probably the most important part of one's motorcycle gear.
It is important that you choose a helmet carefully and after making sure of its comfort and fit.

However, at times, even experienced riders who are just trying to replace an old helmet may be a little confused about which new helmet to buy. Remember this - any helmet that meets the D.O .T (U.S. Department of Transportation) standard offer far more protection than one does not meet the standard. A D.O.T helmet makes it mandatory for every certified helmet to be able to absorb a certain amount of impact energy, have a fastening system that will stay in place even in the worst of crashes and will be able to prevent most penetration. Thus even an inexpensive D.O.T helmet will provide more protection than a very expensive non-D.O.T helmet. Other than possessing a D.O.T certificate, make sure the helmet stays well on your head even if you need to dismount in a hurry and is comfortable around your head.

What Else Can a Helmet do?

Helmets can help you hear other sounds much better because they cut down the rest of the ambient wind noise. They can also reduce the fatigue caused by wind, thereby keeping you more alert. Your eyes are protected and you can see much better through a helmet. Further you need not be troubled by insects flying in your face if you use a full-face helmet.
If you take the time and put in the efforts in finding a good helmet, you will find even long rides comfortable and enjoyable.

Motorcycle Helmet

A Simple Guide To Buying a Motorcycle Helmet

By Sarah H

A motorcycle helmet is a necessity for every motorcyclist. In most places, the law requires that you wear a helmet while you are operating a motorcycle. Even if it doesn't, you need to wear one to protect yourself.
There are a wide variety of styles of motorcycle helmets to choose from. The many choices can seem overwhelming at first, but it's really not that complicated. There are four main categories of motorcycle helmets available. Let's take a look at them.

Full Face Helmet

This helmet provides a high level of protection. Just like it sounds, a full face helmet covers all of your face. It has a hinged visor, and provides protection from the elements as well as from accidents.

Open Face Helmet

The open face helmet does not provide any protection for your chin. Most people wear goggles or a visor with it. This type of helmet is often worn by people who want to feel freer while they are riding. However, it does not provide as much protection as a full face helmet.

Flip Up Helmets

A flip up helmet is a compromise between the full face helmet and the open face helmet. It also allows to talk to other people without removing your helmet.

Off Road Helmets

There are a number of different off road helmets. These helmets are designed for rougher driving conditions, such as you would find at a motocross event. These helmets not only protect your head, but also keep the mud off your face.

You can purchase any of the above styles at your local motorcycle supply store.