Motorcycle Helmets

The Importance of a Good Motorcycle Helmet

By: Brian Benko

Anyone who decides to get a motorcycle must understand that a helmet is probably the most important safety consideration. The fact that riders are more vulnerable in crash situations is obvious, but crash statistics paints an even grimmer picture. Despite repeated warnings and horrible stories of crash victims, many people still fail to realize the importance of wearing a good helmet.

Head injuries are the most prevalent cause of death in motorcycle accidents. In cases where the rider was without a helmet, the death or injury could have been prevented by the fact that the helmet absorbs much of the force of impact. The issue has gained so much attention that governments have gotten involved. Now most countries have laws requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

How a Motorcycle Helmet Works

The majority of motorcycle helmets are constructed from plastic. They are designed with special crumple zones which absorb most of the shock on impact. The more expensive helmets are usually made a combination of carbon fiber and Kevlar.

The interior of the helmet is padded to help it fit more securely and to offer added protection. In the event of a collision, helmets are designed to crack and break in certain areas because of the shock they absorb.

Types of Helmets

The helmet a rider chooses will depend on certain factors which include the type of motorcycle, weather conditions. Other considerations include whether it will be used for sport, and the type of sport. Motocross helmets are designed differently than other racing helmets.

There are helmets which were not specially designed for motorcycle safety which are worn by riders. The types of helmets which are specially made for motorcycle riders are:

Full Face Helmet: This provides the best coverage for the head and face. The face shield protects the wearer from debris and insects that could disrupt the rider's concentration. It also prevents injury to the face and head in the event of a crash.

The Modular Helmet: This is also referred to as the flip up because the front portion can be pivoted upwards. When closed it resembles the full face design.

The Motocross: This is a specially designed helmet for those who ride dirt bikes. It has extra protection for the chin area and a visor. Because it has an open face design, it requires the wearing of goggles for full protection.

The Open Face: This type of helmet covers the head but has no chin bar or protection for the face. Riders can wear goggles for protection from debris but it can also be fitted with a face shield.

Half Helmet: This offers very little protection in the event of a crash. In fact it is only recommended when travelling for short distances. Dust and other debris can still affect the rider even with the use of goggles.
Motorcycle Safety

There are other tips to remember for motorcycle safety. If your helmet has protected you in a crash it is recommended that you discard it. This is true even if it appears undamaged.

Riders who wear full face helmets with tinted face shields should consider getting a different helmet for nighttime riding. The darkened shield can obscure your vision at night, increasing the chances of an accident.

Many deaths resulting from motorcycle accidents are caused by head injuries. As such, the helmet as a protective device and important piece of motorcycle gear cannot be overstated. There are many designs available which should suit even the most discerning riders.


Author Resource:->  Brian Benko at MotorcycleHelmet offers the best ideas and information about in motorcycle helmets. Visit MotorcycleHelmet for the latest on motorcycle helmets. Buy or sell your custom helmet at http://www.motorcyclehelmet.com/

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Belfast Motorcycle Safety Hints And Tips
By: Tom Jones

Driving motorcycle can be fun. But, it is equally important for all the motorists and riders to be very careful and cautious while riding the bike. Below listed are a few tips that should be followed by all the motorists and riders:

1.Choose quality: It is always better to go in for quality than looks. Therefore, it becomes quite imperative to go in for the best and the quality parts for your motorcycle that are affordable by you. There are quite a few reasons associated with it. Firstly, any part that you replace for your motorcycle is extremely important for it. Secondly, you will not gain anything by saving a few extra pounds by buying cheap and potentially defective parts. Never try to compromise on the quality. This is very important, as this concerns your own personal safety. You should not wait for the circumstances to prove you this quality aspect, as these circumstances could potentially prove to be fatal.

2.Keep Safe: It is very important to protect yourself from head to toe by using protective apparels and gears. These mainly include boots, socks, trousers, eyewear, vest, gloves, jacket, and last but not the least motorcycle helmet. Always ensure that these products that are bought by you are of good quality and, at the same time comfortable and durable, so as to withstand all the momentum and pressure while riding. It is very important for you to understand that you should never compromise on the quality as the result can be quite surprising and alarming for anyone.

3.Repair and maintenance: If there is any problem occurring with your motorcycle, it has to be checked and rectified instantly. You should also ensure that your motorcycle goes for regular maintenance and services. Whenever you plan for any adventurous trip, it is very important to get your motorcycle checked for any kind of defects or leaks and get them repaired at the earliest to avoid any further issues. It is quite essential for you to check all these aspects without any delay in time and with complete diligence. Besides this to make sure for the safety and condition of your motorcycle, you should go ahead with all the necessary regular repairs.

4.Be prepared: Always ensure that you keep the tank full of your motorcycle at given point of time. As a matter of fact, there should be enough fuel in your motorcycle to carry you to your destination.

In case of any compensatory situation, your insurance will take care of all the necessary damages and payouts and save you from any kind of big losses. It is very important for us to understand that everything that we do is a compromise. As a result, it becomes quite important for us to understand all the implications fully and be very careful. Safety is the most important aspect for anyone in this world, particularly if they ride in major cities such as Belfast motorcycles need to be in good working order at all times.


Author Resource:->  Charles Hurst Group offer a wide range of Belfast Motorcycles

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The Safety Standards of Motorcycle Helmets

By: Alex De Mostafa

In 1972, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (HHTSA) set about creating new minimal safety standards for motorcycle helmets. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, commonly called the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard, was initiated and signed into law. The act marked the culmination of years of review and analysis. The DOT standard was revised slightly in 1974 and has subsequently undergone other minor alterations, but basically has remained unchanged for more than 30 years.

The purpose of DOT standard 218 is to identify helmets that comply with government standards for helmet safety. It should be noted that motorcycle helmets are not required in some states and that while the Federal Government has set safety standards, there is a general lack of enforcement and oversight by the program. Basically, the government has established outdated safety standards and relies on the manufacturers to comply and attest to their compliance with these standards. Based on the manufacturer's representation, a DOT stamp of approval is placed on each helmet.

This is not to say that the government does not test helmets. Each year, DOT provides token testing and presents manufacturers with the results. However, in 2001, the government inspected just 40 helmets. The Department of Transportation relies almost exclusively on the helmet manufacturers to meet the safety standards. As government-testing requirements are minimal, motorcyclists have long expressed concern over the safety of helmets.

The DOT standard for testing requires that helmets be tested twice at four different impact zones. DOT approved helmets are dropped from a 6 foot height onto a flat anvil and then again from a 4.5 foot height. The manufacturer is required to sign off on compliance with these standards prior to applying the DOT emblem to the helmet. However, in the 40 unit testing performed directly by DOT in 2001, 20% of the helmets failed the test.

In the motorcycle helmet industry, more stringent safety requirements are applied by the independent Snell Standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF). The Snell Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing motor sporting helmet safety. The foundation was established in 1957 in memory of racecar driver William Peter Snell and has since served as the recognized leader in safety standards for a variety of sporting helmets. Unlike the Department of Transportation, the SMF aggressively and randomly tests many motorcycle helmets each year.

SMF maintains two testing facilities; one in the U.S. and another in England. Manufacturers, who subscribe to the Snell standards, submit their helmets to the organization for recognized certification. These helmet manufacturers agree to periodic testing and agree to comply with the more current Snell safety standards for motorcycle helmets. Snell safety standards are not exclusive to the motorcycle industry and are used for harness racing, other equestrian sports, cycling, skiing and snowboarding.

While the DOT standards have been virtually unchanged since 1974, the SMF standards have been updated every five years. Additionally, the Snell testing procedures are much more aggressive. Whereas DOT tests use drop elevations of 6 feet and 4.5 feet respectively, the SMF utilizes 10 foot and 7.5 foot drop elevations.

Both DOT and Snell acknowledge that it is rarely the fall that damages the head. Rather, it is the sudden stop. To measure the effectiveness of the motorcycle helmet in coping with the stress of a sudden halt, both testing programs utilize an accelerator set inside the headgear.

The Snell tests do not leave interpretation of the results to the manufacturer. These more strenuous tests focus on the manufacturing quality of the motorcycle helmets. As a result, the Snell method of testing does not use the flat anvil, but rather an edged anvil that is designed to further test the helmet's material construction.

Cyclists who use helmets bearing the Snell label of approval are assured of helmets that not only surpass the DOT safety standards, but have undergone independent testing and whose manufacturers have made assurances of strict compliance. The Snell certificate of approval goes a long way with consumers and industry experts. The Snell label on the back of the helmet is the industry symbol for safety design and structural integrity.


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