What to look for when buying a helmet

A Buying Guide to Helmet

The government has constantly been reminding the public that helmets prevent severe injuries and death both in bicycle and motor accidents.

If you are planning to buy a helmet, here are the things that you should check:

Bare minimum
Motorcyclists know that riding without a helmet is against the law. The driver and the passenger must comply with this law. For cyclists, California law only requires those who are below 18 years old to wear a helmet when riding.

The helmet manufacturer must meet the safety standards by the Department of Transportation.

Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) Technology
The Department of Transportation recently found out that the highest-performing helmets use the MIPS system because it lessens the impact of a fall. This technology works by using a low friction layer between the user’s head and the helmet. This allows the helmet to keep the head in place by slightly rotating. This protects the rider’s head even if the impact on the ground is at an angle.

Color Visibility
It is highly advised for motorcyclists and bicyclists to wear helmets that are neon in color so that other drivers can see them even at night. Fluorescent orange, yellow, or neon yellow-green stands out. You can also choose to add reflective tapes on your helmet. Just make sure that the reflective tapes don’t get in the way in your line of sight.

Certifications
You can choose any helmet design of your choice, make sure that it has the necessary certifications approved by the Department of Transportation. You can check the following programs to see if the helmet meets the safety standards:

Face Shield
Face shield is for motorcycles. Using a helmet with a face shield protects your eye from catching anything that can cause you to lose your attention on the road. Some motorcyclists opt to use eyewear for protection. The eyewear should not wear tinted eye protection.

Helmet Fitting
Make sure that the helmet fits you perfectly. If a helmet is loose, it can potentially slide off your head if an accident happens. If the helmet has a chin strap, make sure to secure it before riding.

Avoid Urban-Style Helmets
Urban-style helmets are gaining popularity but do not give enough protection for your head in case of an accident. It is still best to choose helmets that are proven to have saved the lives of people.