The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet

14 March 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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Riding a motorcycle brings a great deal of joy each day to millions of motorcycle enthusiasts. However, any personal injury attorney can tell you that it is a dangerous thing to do. Most personal injury attorneys handle many cases from people who are injured in crashes each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to be killed in a collision than car drivers. You can increase your odds of staying safe on the road by wearing a motorcycle helmet every time you ride. Follow these do's and don'ts when wearing your helmet.

Do Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet if You Crash

If you are involved in any kind of crash or accident where your helmet has to absorb some of the impact, you should replace it right away. Some helmet manufacturers can inspect and repair damaged helmets, but it's best to replace your helmet every few years anyway. When replacing your helmet, be sure to choose a new one. While you may get a motorcycle jacket from the thrift shop, that's not the place to shop for helmets.

Don't Choose a Helmet without Reflectivity

A lot of states have laws about the amount of retroreflective material that should be on your motorcycle helmet. You can check with your local department of motor vehicles to get the specifics that are required. Whether your state requires this or not, choose a helmet with reflectivity for optimal safety on the road. Reflective material on your helmet will help other drivers see you and avoid collisions.

Do Protect Yourself from the Elements

Wearing a helmet can protect you against the elements on long or short rides. You may encounter a variety of conditions on the road. It can start raining or snowing. Smoke or fog may appear on the road. Helmets can help protect your head, shielding your face and brain from devastating damage, but it can also do smaller favors like providing extra protection from a sunburn and keeping bugs from going between your teeth.

Don't Choose a Helmet for Its Aesthetic Appeal

You may want to imagine yourself as a too-cool-for-school motorcycle rider like Uncle Jessie on Full House, but the truth is that helmets are not meant to enhance your appearance. They are simply meant to keep you alive and well while you're on the road. You may take a helmet's appearance into consideration, but your first priority when choosing a helmet should be its safety features.

Finally, keep in mind that helmets are 37 percent effective when it comes to preventing fatalities, so there is no excuse to leave them behind. Be sure to wear your motorcycle helmet on every single ride without making a single exception. When you wear your helmet, observe all safety rules, and are proactive in how you ride, you should be able to enjoy the ride without worrying about your safety odds. If you are injured, be sure to consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation and be sure that your best interests are protected. For more information, contact a firm such as Burke Schultz Harman & Jenkinson Attorneys at Law.