It goes without saying that driving a motorcycle comes with certain risks. Drunk and distracted drivers, potholes, sand, and poor weather conditions can cause even the safest and most experienced riders to crash. A motorcycle helmet is your best protection against severe injuries and death in the event of a collision. But as you may already know, not all helmets are created equal.
Motorcycles are available in six categories: full-face or open-face helmets, half helmets, off-road helmets, dual-sport helmets, and the more recent modular helmets. Each of these styles has its own advantages and disadvantages.
You may have heard that modular motorcycle helmets offer the perfect balance of safety, comfort, and convenience. Here are just a few reasons why modular helmets are becoming more popular:
1. Safety
The primary objective of any type of motorcycle helmet is to prevent injuries to the head and brain, but modular helmets also protect the face, neck, and ears, which is why they are widely considered the safest design on the market.
2. Comfort
For motorcyclists, comfort is more than a luxury. An uncomfortable helmet is distracting, and a moment’s inattention is all it takes to cause a collision. You might find that a full-face helmet is too snug or restrictive or that an open-face helmet is too exposed to the wind. A modular helmet allows you to adjust its visors and chin guard according your preferences.
While safety should be your top concern when purchasing a motorcycle helmet, you certainly shouldn’t overlook the importance of a comfortable fit.
3. Convenience
Full-face helmets provide complete facial insulation against bugs, dirt, and debris. When riders are off their bikes, though, they have to take off their helmets to eat, drink, and talk with other people. A modular helmet solves this problem by providing full-face protection yet allowing the rider to lift the frontal part into an open-face position.
The One Thing All Motorcycle Helmets Must Have
Helmets come in a range of shapes and sizes with a variety of unique features. But one thing all motorcycle helmets need is a symbol affixed to the inside or outside stating compliance to relevant safety standards.
A DOT sticker indicates that the helmet has been manufactured to meet the requirements outlined in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. These helmets feature thick, polystyrene-foam linings and sturdy chin straps, and they weigh around 3 pounds.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Importance of Wearing a High-Quality Helmet
Per mile traveled, motorcyclists are roughly 27 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than passenger-vehicle occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fortunately, innovations in safety technology are preventing injuries and saving lives. Motorcycle helmets were responsible for preventing an estimated 1,859 deaths in 2016—and they would have prevented another 802 if everyone wore helmets, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
With numbers like this, the importance of wearing a high-quality helmet cannot be overstated. Half helmets, open-face helmets, and other designs simply do not offer the same level of protection as full-face and modular designs, and if you want convenience and comfort on and off the bike, you can’t go wrong with a modular helmet.