Safety facts about motorcycle helmets

Helmets save lives. Wear your helmet no matter what

It doesn’t matter the weather outside, the type of motorcycle you have, the speed you are running with, how far or near your destination is, or how experienced you are, if you are a motorcycle driver or a passenger, you should always wear your helmet. The reason is pretty easy, helmets are made to protect your brain from different injuries, by absorbing the impact produced in case of an accident, when the head could hit a hard surface.

Most helmets have two principal protective components. The thin, hard outer shell which is typically made from polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or Kevlar, and the soft, thick inner liner usually made of expanded polystyrene or polypropylene “EPS” foam.

The brain tissue has a very limited ability to recover and any brain injury may lead to permanent health problems. Also, many brain injuries could be fatal. That’s why the primary purpose of a helmet is to prevent traumatic brain injury while skull and face injuries are a secondary concern.

Here are some tips on how to use and keep your helmet.

• If you were involved in a crash, even a minor one, you should replace your helmet. It most likely already absorbed some impact shock, and next time when involved in an accident, the helmet won’t be as efficient as it should be.
• Don’t store your helmet near gasoline, cleaning fluids, exhaust fumes, or excessive heat, factors that can degrade the helmet materials.
• Don’t hang your helmet on the motorcycle’s mirrors, turn signals, or backrest. The inner and soft liner can easily be damaged. Find a flat, secure place for it.
• Replace the helmet every two to four years. With time, its protective qualities may deteriorate and the shell could be chipped or damaged.
• Don’t carry a spare helmet on your motorcycle, unless it’s well protected. When riding, even the small bumps can damage the helmet.

Don’t forget that the protection technology keeps improving, for you to feel more comfortable and safer.

Enjoy your ride!