Don’t Be a Hard-Head, Unless You’re Talking About Your Helmet

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets save over 1500 lives a year!

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What’s the single most effective way to save lives while riding a motorcycle? Wearing the right helmet for you!

The shape of your head won’t matter if you don’t wear a helmet.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets save over 1500 lives a year!  Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injury by 69%.

Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of motorcycle crash deaths, so doing your research before buying gear is paramount.  Wearing a helmet that meets the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218-FMVSS 218) can significantly increase rider safety.  It can also save your life. 

Difference between compliant and non-compliant helmets

Because helmet safety regulations vary from state to state, the Department of Transportation set minimum standards for all helmets sold in the United States for the intended purpose of wearing them on public roads, and approved helmets don the DOT sticker.

Another organization that has rigid procedures for testing is the Snell Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that has been dedicated exclusively to head protection through scientific and medical research, standards development, helmet testing, and public education.  

When looking for the right helmet, experts suggest looking for DOT and Snell approved helmets, as both organizations test and rate the following:

• Impact – the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet.
• Penetration – the helmet's ability to withstand a blow from a sharp object.
• Retention – the chin strap's ability to stay fastened without stretching or breaking.
• Peripheral vision – the helmet must provide a minimum side vision of 105 degrees to each side. (Most people's usable peripheral vision is only about 90 degrees to each side.)

To verify a helmet you already own or are considering for purchase, Helmetcheck.org complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation safety standard and allows consumers to find information on DOT-compliant helmets from any manufacturer voluntarily participating in the database.  It also has a tremendous repository of helmet-related resources, research and public service announcements!