Few things are more exhilarating than leaving your everyday life behind to explore Ohio on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, though, motorcycle riders have an increased chance of sustaining a serious injury or dying in a motorcycle crash.
Ohio law does not require most riders to wear motorcycle helmets. Nonetheless, recovering from an injury you sustained in a motorcycle accident can be both painful and expensive. A good motorcycle helmet helps to reduce your chances of a brain injury. Here are four ways to choose the right motorcycle helmet:
1. Think about your riding style
Motorcycle helmets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs. When purchasing a new helmet, you must think about your riding style. If you choose a helmet that meshes with it, you are more likely to wear your helmet every time you take both long and short trips.
2. Establish your budget
When it comes to investing in the safest motorcycle helmet, price is not everything. In fact, the safety rating is more important than cost. When you are ready to select a new helmet, look for one that has a certification from a rating agency. The Department of Transportation and the Snell Foundation provide safety ratings. If purchasing a helmet from a seller in the European Union, be sure it meets the European Safety Standard.
3. Choose the best fit
A high-quality helmet only works for you if it fits your head perfectly. That is, you do not want a helmet that is either too large or too small for your cranium. To be sure you choose the best fit, wrap a soft measuring tape around your head approximately an inch above your eyebrows. Then, use the measurement to buy your new helmet. Remember, though, you want comfortable protection. As such, try on all potential helmets before you decide on your final purchase.
4. Plan to replace
Helmets do not last forever. If your helmet survives a motorcycle crash, collision or slide, you should no longer trust it to protect your head. Also, if you drop your helmet, you should replace it before you head out on your next ride.
Even though Ohio does not require adult riders to wear motorcycle helmets, wearing one is an effective way to stay safe behind the handlebars of your cruiser, sport bike or ATV. By wearing a safety-rated helmet that fits your head perfectly, you decrease your chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury while riding on Ohio’s roadways.