Buying the Most Important Piece of Equipment For Motorcycling - Your Helmet

Buying the Most Important Piece of Equipment For Motorcycling - Your Helmet
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lloyd_Robles]Lloyd Robles

More Americans than ever before are turning to two wheels for transportation as an answer and solution to the rising gas prices across the country. But before throwing a leg over the "horse" of choice, all riders should consider carefully their choices and options when choosing the most important piece of safety equipment should an accident occur. Studies have shown that a rider who wears an appropriate helmet is less likely to be involved in an accident in the first place, but when he or she is, is less likely to incur neck or head injuries than a rider without a helmet. Protecting your head is a necessity, and nothing does it better than a carefully selected helmet.

The first thing that is essential (and the law) that your prospective helmet possess is its certification from the U. S. Department of Transportation. D.O.T. certification is proven by a sticker affixed to the rear of the helmet, and guarantees the helmet has been shown through rigorous testing to significantly reduce the energy felt by the skull on impact, protect against puncture, and maintain the ability to be securely fastened to the rider's head. Other certification testing may also be done through the Snell foundation which subjects helmets to other safety standards as well as those imposed by the D.O.T. You must try on the helmet for retention (that it will stay on), size, and fit. A motorcycle helmet should fit snugly to protect best. Roll the helmet on, from front to back. It should not go on too easily. Once on your head, you should be able to feel the skin of your skull move when the helmet is moved. The interior padding should hold your chin, cheeks, and jaw firmly (if it is a full-face model) and always make sure you cannot remove the helmet when the chinstrap is fastened. Attempt to take it off with force, to ensure this. While some riders may assert that no helmet is comfortable, this is an untruth. With many styles and brands on the market, all riders should be able to find a helmet that fits, protects, is comfortable, and suits their aesthetics when it comes to styling and color. More coverage by a helmet is better, as a full-face helmet protects the chin, jaw, and teeth as well, but some riders enjoy the freedom that open-face and half helmets provide.

Wearing a proper helmet should be first on every rider's checklist before mounting their bike and riding. Truthfully, any helmet is immediately better than no helmet at all, but in the event of an accident involving an automobile, the motorcyclist is definitely vulnerable and put at risk. Even the best helmet cannot prevent all injury when one occurs. Protecting yourself after the accident by hiring a personal injury lawyer that is well equipped to argue for your rights and ensure your due compensation is essential.

Lloyd Robles heads Robles & Associates, an Austin, Texas based firm, specializing in car accident law. Please visit roblesassociates.com for more information.

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