Thursday, December 4, 2008

Motorcycle Helmets - Why Are They Important?

Are you protecting your head when you ride your motorcycle? Motorcycle helmets are one of the most important considerations of all safety concerns, especially when you consider the current statistics stating that brain injury is one of the most dominant causes of motorcycle fatalities. Realizing this importance can make wearing helmets easier to accept psychologically, as many current riders currently have a mental block and choose not to wear them. It is good to see that the governments have stepped in to make it mandatory, both, for the riders as well as the pillion riders alike.
Motorcycle helmets are basically aimed at absorbing the impact of collision to the brain in case of an accident. With this in mind, among the first things that one should be looking for is the material of the helmet. Lightweight, tough and crack resistant fibers and grades of plastic have made it into the helmet manufacturing processes in a big way. Impact resistance can be gauged from the shape and size of the helmets. One ought to educate oneself to ensure that the money spent is worth it. A few dollars more won't hurt as long as you feel safe.
The next important thing to consider is the comfort level that comes with wearing the motorcycle helmet. The full face helmets are the safest helmets and obviously the best buy. Wear one that fits snugly. Choose one that you would take a liking to. Any helmet that you choose should feel soft at all points of contacts on the skull. They come in different colors, designs and should invariably have DOT approval stickers at the rear.
The second kind of motorcycle helmet is the half face one that is also a good protection and at the same time offers a fuller view of the road, allowing the feel of unity with the road that one whizzes past. The visors that cover the face and protect the eyes from wind and dust should be tough, clear and scratch proof. All the inner linings and padding should be clean and finished properly. Look out for itchy endings. The inner material should be able to soak sweat and made of quality material so that it doesn't stink.
Some of the major manufacturers of quality motorcycle helmets are the Iron Horse Helmets, Nolan, and Bell that also add elements of comfort in addition to providing safety. They have incorporated easy flow ventilation systems, and anti-fog properties keeping in view the fact that a biker's terrain and delight know no boundaries.

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