While virtually every motorcycle owner worries about their safety while riding, not all agree on which strategies reduce the odds of injuries if they’re in an accident. However, most safety experts recommend wearing a helmet to minimize the potential for head injuries resulting from a fall or collision. Several states require all riders to wear a helmet, while others have restrictions in place for new or young riders. Other states have no helmet laws in place.

 

How Helmet Laws Came About

 

In the past, no laws required riders to wear a helmet. That changed in the mid-1960s when the federal government passed a law requiring states to enact helmet laws to protect their highway safety funds. Only three states failed to comply. However, in 1976, the federal government did an about-face and eliminated the penalties states faced for non-compliance with the regulations. That’s when many states reduced or eliminated their helmet requirements, with many states only continuing to require helmets for new riders.

 

At this point, roughly half the nation’s states require all riders to wear helmets. Accident records indicate helmet laws effectively reduce injuries, and safety experts routinely encourage states to revert to the old regulations requiring all riders to wear helmets. However, many riders object, asserting those laws restrict their fundamental rights. While the reinstatement of universal helmet laws is possible, there’s no indication such a move will occur soon.

 

Helmet Laws and Motorcycle Insurance

 

One major issue impacting every rider is the cost of motorcycle insurance. Industry studies strongly suggest motorcycle helmet laws directly impact insurance premiums. Insurance rates are often lower in states requiring helmets because insurance companies experience reduced losses when riders suffer less-severe injuries.

 

Even though helmet use may not affect premiums in some states, insurers are more likely to raise a rider’s rates if they’re involved in an accident and require extensive medical care that could have been avoided by wearing a helmet. Since insurers rely on generating profits, they tend to reward a policyholder who isn’t involved in accidents or takes steps to reduce their odds of suffering severe injuries. When shopping for pre-owned motorcycles, take the time to discuss helmet laws with an expert to understand their impact on riders.

 

Understanding How Helmets are Rated

 

The DOT sets minimum standards for motorcycle helmets. Novelty helmets that don’t meet those minimum standards don’t comply with helmet laws, and riders could be ticketed for not wearing an approved helmet in some jurisdictions. The regulations require helmet makers to meet specific requirements before marketing their products. Those requirements include impact standards, penetration testing, retention system safety, and enforcing designs that allow effective peripheral vision. All models must have an approved label attached to establish their compliance with helmet safety regulations.

 

The Snell standard isn’t legally required, but the stricter standards required for certification are designed to provide a higher level of protection for riders. Riders who intend to race their bikes at sanctioned events are generally required to wear helmets that meet the Snell standard. Anyone exploring ways to enhance their safety while riding may want to explore helmets that comply with the Snell standard.

 

Safety experts warn riders to be aware of helmets that don’t include the required certification or have a fake certification. Compare sticker attached to the helmet with the genuine DOT sticker on another helmet or look for an example on the DOT website. If there is no sticker attached to the helmet, don’t trust it.

 

Different Types of Helmets

 

Even riders who wear helmets may not choose a model that provides adequate protection. There are several types of helmets, with each one designed for specific riding conditions. While all certified helmets offer protection, some are better suited to some uses than others. Since state helmet laws don’t dictate which style of helmet riders must wear, it’s up to individual riders to select one that meets their riding needs. Riders who are unsure which helmet to choose are encouraged to work with a helmet expert to determine which model to wear. Here are a few examples of helmet models to consider.

 

• Full-Face Helmets. This style of helmet covers the rider’s entire head and typically includes eye protection. The major benefit of this style is that the rider’s chin is protected. The downside is that some riders feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic while wearing one. Many riders consider this option to be the safest one available for general riding.
  
  
• Open-Face Helmets. With this style, riders are less protected than they would be with a full-face model, as there is no chin or eye protection. However, a rider can easily talk to other riders or grab a snack without having to remove their helmet. Other riders point out that they like this style because they like the feel of the wind on their face. Many riders, especially those with cruisers, select this style even if it doesn’t provide the high level of protection offered by a full-face helmet.
  
  
• Flip-Up Helmets. Riders opting for flip-up (or modular) helmets like them because they are afforded nearly the same level of protection as a full-face helmet but are easier to put on and take off. In addition, riders with glasses find using this style is far easier than using a full-face helmet. The downside of this option is the cost since they tend to be more expensive than other options. Flip-up helmets are appropriate for general riding.
  
  
• “Shorty” Helmets. Shorty, or half-face, helmets are not generally recommended by safety experts due to their lack of coverage. This style meets the minimum safety requirements but doesn’t provide the level of protection other options offer.
  
  
• Motocross Helmets. This type of helmet is normally recommended for off-road use. While motocross helmets provide sufficient impact protection, they offer no eye protection. In addition, they are less comfortable when worn for longer periods than full-face or flip-up models.

 

These are the basic types of helmets riders generally use. However, riders may also encounter dual-sport models that offer a compromise between full-face and motocross models.

 

Avoid Conflicts with Law Enforcement Personnel

 

The takeaway here is that complying with local helmet laws is always recommended. Where helmets are required, work with a helmet expert to select a model that meets legal requirements and is as comfortable as possible.