You may associate using your motorcycle on the open road with excitement and fun, but an accident can leave you potentially in danger of a serious injury.
Choosing the best helmet for your head and your needs is one way to help protect yourself.
Know your head shape
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should not feel any pressure points in your head if your helmet fits correctly. If you do, your head may be too round or too oval to fit.
Not all manufacturers make helmets with the same shape. Knowing the different types you have to pick from is one way to prevent any soreness in the future.
Look at the label
A label with the Department of Transportation symbol on the back of a helmet helps you know that it is safe to wear. Some stores only carry novelty helmets, which do not properly prevent head trauma in the event of a crash.
Not all people are aware of what constitutes a safe helmet, so this safety self-certification process can help you narrow down what brand or kind of helmet you look for. This black and white sticker is easy for anyone to spot.
Check the details
Novelty helmets are often too light or too loose to use on the road. In some cases, they may have parts that stick out too far to be safe.
If it weighs less than a pound or has spikes further than two-tenths of an inch, then it likely will not protect your head. These details may seem unimportant at first, but finding the right motorcycle helmet is one of the most important parts of riding.