Motorcycle Helmets Are Designed To Keep Safe

By Amanda Beaty

The motor cycle has been a popular method of transportation for the good part of the last century. The freedom that can be felt on the back of a motorcycle as it rushes down the highway is unequaled. A rider is given the impression that they are almost flying. It is a great feeling of liberty but it can also be a deadly experience without the protection of proper safety gear. The most vital piece of protection for a rider is their helmet. Motorcycle helmets are recommended to be worn anytime someone is riding.

Due to the nature of the motorcycles there are some risks involved. However these risks can be reduced drastically by the use of a helmet. Motorcycle helmets provide a safety device to the rider in the case of an accident. Accidents happen and they often cannot be avoided the important thing is to be prepared for them.

Using proper safety precautions is simply good sense. There are those riders that feel that riding without a helmet interferes with the true feeling that is associated with riding a motorcycle. While helmets may prevent the wind from blowing through your hair they allow the rider to have a feeling of security.

The motorcycle was actually created as the result of a motorcycle accident. A doctor lost a patient ad decided that he wanted to see what he could do to prevent other people from succumbing to the same fate. This doctor was Hugh Cairns, Cairns is credited with inventing the motorcycle helmet. His invention has been successful in saving many riders that may have otherwise been killed as a result of a motorcycle accident.

The helmet that Cairns designed is much different than the helmet that is commonly used today. The typical modern helmet is more aerodynamic than those of the past. They also tend to be lighter and better ventilated but stronger than older helmets. Today's helmets offer electronic gadgets such as headphones and intercom systems for listening to music and communicating with another rider.

Many modern helmets also offer face protection through the use of a Plexiglas or synthetic face guard. Face quads are a good idea since they keep loose objects that come off the road from hitting the rider in the face. They also provide protection from flying insects.

Modern motorcycle helmets come in many different styles. One of the most popular styles is the full face helmet. This helmet provides protection from the base of the skull in the back of the helmet to the chin in the front. These helmets are rated as being the safest style of motor cycle helmet available. Many full face helmets also come with vents that provide improved ventilation which allows for better flow of air and also provides a system to cool the inside of the helmet.

Motocross is a popular sport that involves racing motorcycles on dirt tracks and under off-road conditions. The agencies that regulate motocross have implemented strict helmet regulations. These regulations provide for more protection than standard helmets.

Another helmet that has been popular since the'50's is the half helmet or Shorty as it is also known. This helmet is rated as providing the least amount of protection of all styles of motorcycle helmets. The half helmet is designed to cover just the top of the head and offers no chin or back of the head protection. It is common practice to use goggles or other methods of eye protection in addition to this style of helmet.

There are other styles of helmets that offer varying degrees of protection. All of these helmets fall between the Shorty and the full face in regards to protection. The type of motorcycle helmets a rider prefers falls strictly to personal preference. Regardless of the style of helmet it is a good idea to protect yourself if you are going to ride. - 30329

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