Motorcycle Safety

Like it or not, the thrill of riding a motorcycle comes with risks. Even if you are an expert rider, you share the road with motorists who may be distracted, inexperienced, or negligent. Without a helmet, your risk for catastrophic injuries is higher than it needs to be.

Helmets have helped many motorcycle riders avoid catastrophic head injuries. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers hope these tips will help you choose an appropriate helmet for your needs.

There’s a Helmet for Everyone

Aside from the fact that Ontario law mandates helmet usage for motorcyclists, getting the right helmet should be a priority for any rider. The good news is that no matter your riding style, there is a helmet for you.

• Full face – For full coverage of the front, back, and top of your head, go with a full face helmet. This variety has a chin bar and visor. When choosing a full face helmet, consider your riding style.If you have a sport bike, your helmet should have a higher chin bar and an upward-angled eye port to account for your riding position. Sporty full face helmets are designed to keep your helmet in place even at high speeds.If you are more of a cruiser and ride in a more upright position, the best full face helmet for you would have a straight-angled eye port and a lower chin bar.
• Modular – These versatile helmets can convert from full face to open face. A removable or hinged chin bar gives you the option to chat with a friend or have a quick snack without removing your helmet.However, riding in the open face position is not recommended. With the chin bar flipped to the top of your helmet, you sacrifice safety and aerodynamics. Though not as safe overall as full face helmets, which are solid, modular helmets provide more protection than open face and half helmet options.
• Open face – Also known as three-quarter helmets, these helmets cover the back, sides, and top of your head, leaving your face exposed. Some open face helmets include a flip-down visor, but these helmets do not have a chin bar and do not protect your face.
• Half – Half helmets provide coverage for the top of your head and part of the back of your head. A half helmet will keep you from getting a no-helmet ticket but will not provide the same level of protection as other helmets in the event of a crash.

Visor Considerations

• Fogging – Fogging can be an issue with full face helmet visors. Some full face models have a breath box, which can prevent fogging due to your exhalations. Other models can accommodate a pinlock system, which allows for a second lens to be placed as a barrier.
• UV protection – Lenses with UV protection protect your eyes from debris and UV rays.
• Lens colors – Blackout visors are incredibly dangerous in dark conditions, but work well to minimize glare during sunny conditions. Mirrored lenses are another defense against glare.

The Right Fit

Optimal protection requires that your helmet fits as tightly as is comfortable. Your helmet should not move independently of your head. Make sure to bring your protective eyewear to try on when you shop for helmets, as well.

Safety and Style

Ontario law requires that helmets meet certain safety standards. You can find a detailed list of approved safety standard certifications here.

Motorcycle helmets come in many colors, and you can maximize your safety by choosing a helmet with bright colors and reflective markings. Remember that motorists often fail to look for motorcyclists on the road. Increasing your visibility could save you from putting your helmet to use.

Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation in Ontario

A motorcycle helmet is a crucial piece of safety gear for riders of all skill and experience levels. The right helmet can protect you from severe and debilitating brain injury in the case of an accident.

The team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers has helped many motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. We are here for you if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, and we will review your case at no cost. Call us at 905-522-9799 to schedule your free consultation. We serve the communities of Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington, Stoney Creek, and the surrounding areas.