In a motorcycle accident, a bike helmet can be the significant difference between life and fatality. In effort to aid motorbike riders, the Department of Transportation requires that all cycle helmets sold in the United States Laws meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. This new law outlines everything, from minimum levels of performance, to how well a helmet can protect the head and brain in an accident.
Most people do not know that every year the department of transportation does numerous studies to see if vendors are in compliance with Federal safety standard. Motorcycle Helmets add such a large percentage of safety many states now have laws requiring use of helmets that meet DOT standards. One site where I found information about German Motorcycle Helmets is www.uppik.org There are a lot of motorcycle riders are not in compliance with these laws by wearing unsafe helmets that do not meet DOT standards. Some folks purchase a product called a novelty helmet.
These helmets look very close to the DOT approved helmets. The scary fact is, most people think that these novelty helmets are DOT approved, but they really provide no protection. There are also some people who wear these novelty helmets that know that they are unsafe – but wear them because they are more comfortable. I am going to give a you a few way to tell the difference between a safe, and unsafe helmet.
- Thick Liner Inside
- Most helmets that meet the minimum DOT standard, have an inch of foam. Sometimes the inner liner will not be visible, but you should still be able to feel its thickness. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no padding at all.
- Thick Rivets
- You know you have a DOT approved helmet when there are stainless stell rivets.
- The Mass of the Helmet
- Depending on design, unsafe helmets weigh only one pound or less. A nice hevy helmet will protect your head much better. I can now tell if it is DOT approved by the weight alone. How cool is that? These helmets provide a more substantial feel.
- The Look of the Helmet
- One of the limiting factor is that nothing can extend off the helmet. For example, while visor fasteners are allowed, a spike or other protruding decorations indicate an unsafe helmet.
- A design such as the German Army style or skullcap style may be a clue to an unsafe helmet. Helmets that do not meet DOT standards are smaller in diameter than ones meeting the DOT standard. These things look goo but if you want to get your ex back with Ex2 System Review I don’t think that is the way. Anyway, I do know that there are some German and Army helmet that meet Federal requirements at Motorcycle Pride.
- You’ll need to check for weight, thickness, sturdy chin-strap’s, as well as the “DOT” and manufacturer’s labels to make sure the helmet meets the Federal safety standard. Find some brand names and designs of helmets that comply with DOT requirements. I love buying full face helmets because I know they are safe, and will protect my head in an accident. Personally, I have never seen someone produce a cheap full face helmet.
- Snell or ANSI Label
- One thing I always look for is that round dot that says DOT. I highly doubt anyone is going to fake a DOT sticker.
- Manufacturer’s Labeling All manufactures are required to label their helmets with production information.
- Novelty helmets do not have these labels Remember a DOT sticker on the back of the helmet and proper inside labeling do not necessarily indicate that a helmet meets all DOT requirements. I threw my back out on my motorcycle and I can recommend a Pittsburgh Chiropractor to fix you up.Many helmets have counterfeit DOT stickers and a limited few also have manufacturer’s labeling. But the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from non-complying ones.