Motorcycle and Scooter Helmet Guide

According to the Governors Highway Safety association there were approximately 5,000 motorcycle deaths in the United States in 2017.  Given those figures its absurd that all states have not adopted more protective laws.  Being a safe drive aka “driving defensively” alone can not guarantee that a biker will be immune from injury.  Not surprisingly according to a NHTSA study from 2016 motorcyclists were 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a collision.  Congested streets, distracted drivers, and debris on the roads become especially dangerous to motorcyclists.  Simply put, crashes can not be avoided, regardless of your level of experience.  The best way to protect yourself as a motorcycle rider is to wear appropriate safety equipment, the most important piece being a properly-fitted helmet!

Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.  Just by the nature of the activity motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer serious traumatic brain injury or death.  Surprisingly, over the last decade the number of motorcyclists wearing helmets has declined over the past decade to an estimate of 58% nationwide according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK

Both states require motorcycle riders (both drivers and passengers) to wear Department of Transportation approved helmets.  The DOT standard sets minimum levels of safety for helmets to protect the head and brain in the event of impact.  Depending who you ask you may get a different answer but generally there are six (6) types of helmets, the most common of which for road bikes are half helmets, open face and full face.

HALF HELMET This helmet only covers the top half of an operator’s head, providing great ventilation but the least protection of the three most common.  The biggest drawback to this style is the lack of protection of this design, leaving the back of the head, sides, forehead and face unprotected.  The chin and jaw are completely exposed.

OPEN FACE HELMET This helmet copies the design of the of a full face but omits the chin bar and face shield. Despite a great combination of convenience, comfort and protection it leaves the face exposed to roadway debris as well as a lack of protection for the chin and jaw.

FULL FACE HELMET The greatest protection available this helmet covers the top, back and sides of the head and includes a shield to protect the face (protects the face from flying debris).  This helmet also has a chin bar which protects the chin and jaw in the event of a collision or other fall from the bike.

HELMET CERTIFICATIONS

There are two main types for helmets sold in the U.S.

1. DOT – provides the most basic requirements for helmets by regulating helmet’s strength during impact, field of view, penetration resistance and labeling.  However, Dot does not provide any testing or quality assurance.  DOT-approved helmet manufacturers are instead subject to random testing by independent contractors.
2. Snell – standards are regulated by Snell Memorial Foundation and are more stringent than DOT standards. Snell employs their own technicians which subject motorcycle helmets to testing in their own labs and applying very strict standards.

MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A HELMET:

Choose a helmet with 1) Thick Inner Liner 2) Sturdy Chin Strap and Rivets 3) Weight of three (3) pounds 4)DOT label 5) Snell Label

Once you have chosen your helmet it is very important to have it properly sized.  Loose helmets can tremendously impact effectiveness and peripheral vision.

• Measure your head and select corresponding helmet size from manufacturer’s size chart – these sizes are based on DOT regulated headforms and are the best place to start
• Ne helmet should be snug around any part of your head that would be covered by a baseball cap. Should be about as firm as a tight knitted winter hat – slightly compressed but not painful or squeezing
• There should be no “hot spots” or specific points in the baseball cap area where there is pressure or pinching (this includes forehead, back of head and temples)
• In a new helmet the sides of your face should be tightly compressed, particularly around your cheeks, however, it should not be painful. You shouldn’t be able to chew gum and you may not be able to speak clearly.

Wearing a helmet can help save your life and decrease the chance of a significant head injury when involved in an accident!

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Peter Briskin wishes you endless hours of fun out on the roads of this beautiful country!  Remember if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident involving the helmet, throw it out and get a new one as the structural integrity may have been compromised.