Helmet Engineering Protects From Injury

By: Laura Woods Click author's name for more of his/her articles

In this troubled economy, a vast majority of Americans are looking for ways to save money. We are clipping more coupons, shopping for cheaper gas, buying clothes at second-hand stores, focusing on “needs” instead of “wants,” and many of us are turning to cheaper modes of transportation. Americans are giving up their cars and choosing instead to ride scooters and motorcycles to and from work, around town on errands, and in some cases across the country on vacation.

As the number of motorcycle riders increases on our streets and roads, so does the opportunity for motorcycle accidents resulting in injury. Not all states require helmet use, and in some states helmet laws are being repealed by the legislature, causing more and more riders every year to be on the road without a helmet – without the first line of protection in case of an accident.

Those who ride without a helmet are risking their lives to save a few dollars on fuel. They are risking serious injury and even death in order to look and to be cool on their motorcycles. And it’s not just the thrill-seeking crotch rocket riders, it’s your neighbor on his bike going to work or his wife on her scooter running errands. One of the primary causes of motorcycle fatalities, which are on the increase, is the refusal to wear a helmet, according to the NHTSA.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report that, “Motorcycle helmets have been shown to save the lives of motorcyclists and prevent serious brain injuries.” Why wait until your legislature requires a helmet to wear one? Why wait until your first accident to choose to wear a helmet? Why not decide today instead to ride safely and ride smart?! The NHTSA keeps statistics on how helmets prevent injury and death. And they keep statistics on fatalities as well. Wouldn’t you rather be in the first group than the latter?

Young people tend to think that “nothing is going to happen to me.” Young people, by nature, are invincible in their own minds. You and I were too when their age. They tend to think that helmets are for older riders. And the younger generation cares all too much about their appearance on the motorcycle instead of how they’ll feel if they ever lay the motorcycle down.

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, helmets “can help to protect your brain, your face and even your life.” The research and development that goes into an approved helmet has resulted in a very specialized and sophisticated piece of life-saving gear. The tough outer shell is meant to compress upon impact, thereby lessening the force that comes into contact with your head. DOT-approved helmets also have an impact-absorbing inner liner designed to absorb the shock as your head hits the inside of the helmet. Helmets are also designed to break upon impact, as another way of absorbing the shock otherwise directed toward your head.

On top of the impact-absorbing liner is what the industry refers to as comfort padding. It’s the layer next to your head providing comfort and fit. And the last part of the helmet, which is equally as critical as the others, is the chin strap or the retention system. The chin strap must be tightly secured to give you optimal protection.

Head injuries account for most motorcycle fatalities. And at times, even worse than dying, those who don’t wear helmets are left disfigured and disabled, needing someone else to care for them. But you don’t have to be one of the statistics - instead, choose to be one of the survivors. For a relatively small investment, compared to the cost of medical and hospital bills, you can invest in a good (DOT-approved) helmet that is both cool and protective. Ride safe, ride smart, ride responsibly. But most of all, ride protected with a helmet.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Laura Woods www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com Your online resource for motorcycle, ATV and scooter gear and accessories at less-than-retail pricing!