Importance of Helmets

Do you believe helmets are an essential accessory for a two-wheel rider? What is the importance of helmets in your view?

Who wears a helmet! It is so uncool! It makes my hair messy and sweaty! I am a responsible rider, why do I need it? I am only going a short distance. Helmets are cumbersome! These are some of the statements thrown around in defence of not wearing a helmet.

The above excuses aside, we all know how critical it is for a rider and the pillion rider to wear a helmet.

Studies and research only reiterate the importance of helmets in providing safety.

According to a UN study, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a road crash than the drivers of passenger cars.

The study also predicts that between the years 2008 and 2020, almost 34 lakh people may die of motorcycle crashes if appropriate safety measures are not taken.

“As many as 14 lakh of these fatalities can be avoided with the proper use of safety helmets.”

Structure of a Helmet

A helmet consists of a shell, foam layer and padding.

The shell distributes the impact across a wide area while also preventing anything from piercing the helmet.

The foam, in the meanwhile, absorbs the majority of the impact, thereby cushioning the head.

Lastly, the soft and cushiony padding ensures a good fit of the helmet. It is critical to ensure the helmet stays steady, doesn't jerk the head sharply, or fly off in an accident.

Riding involves juggling a range of emotions, environmental factors, physical surroundings and bike mechanics – noise, wind, dust, danger, thrill, traffic, co-passengers, joy, exasperation, balance, skill, speed, to name just a few.

The ride may be an everyday transport or a joyride. Irrespective, safety is most critical.

The importance of helmets cannot be stressed enough. An old acronym of the motorcycling world, ATGATT, All the gear, all the time, reinforces that safety gear like helmets are vital to ensure the joyride does not end up becoming a ‘horror-ride.’

Protection from Injury, even death

98 two-wheel riders and pillion riders lost their lives in road accidents on Indian roads every day in 2017.

The freedom and thrill of the ride come with the inherent compromise of a two-wheeler not having the structural protection of a four-wheeler.

Therefore, motorcyclists have to be doubly careful to protect themselves from serious injuries.

If involved in an accident, the rider and pillion rider wearing helmets, significantly improve their chances of survival, as against the ones who don’t.

The most vulnerable part of the body, in the event of a crash, is the head. And the protective cover provided by a helmet helps in cushioning the head from a forceful impact.

Protection from Environmental Factors

Helmets minimise the discomfort and distractions caused because of environmental factors.

Strong winds, pollution, bugs, debris, sharp sun, noise from the traffic on the road, and rain are all a nuisance for the rider.

A helmet comes to the rescue here and helps in keeping these irritants at bay. As a result, it allows the rider to focus on the road and stay protected from these elements.

Protection from these distractions also helps in enhancing the rider’s safety on the road. He/she can concentrate on driving and judgement is not compromised.

Shielding a rider’s head is serious business, and a good quality helmet is the most critical bike accessory to ensure that.

Requisites of a Good Quality Helmet

The helmet manufacturing industry has gone through a revolution in the last few decades. The growing focus on improving safety, enhancing comfort and redefining style has led to cutting edge technology innovations in the industry.

Listed below are a few points to keep in mind when scouting for a quality helmet.

• Should absorb as much energy as possible in a crash and resist penetration by objects, thereby protecting the head and brain.

• Made using next-generation material and the latest technology.

• Lightweight and aerodynamically designed to minimise drag.

• A perfect fit that ensures it stays on the head after the impact and is comfortable while riding.

• Quick wear and take-off mechanism for ease of use and enhanced safety.

• Should be comfortable to wear and well ventilated.

Unobtrusive to the user, giving a comprehensive view of the road.

• Fitted with the latest safety, comfort and style features.

• Should be ISI approved and rank high on trusted sites.

• Should come with clear and lucid instructions for fitting and use.

• Fashionable and aesthetic in appearance, with a variety of style, graphics and colour options.

There are many styles of helmets available in the market, and choosing one can be just about as tough as deciding which motorcycle to buy. So, do thorough research and make an informed choice.

Keep your love for riding alive by staying safe. Gear up and feel the thrill!