Finding the Right Motorcycle Helmet

Our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers always encourage riders and passengers to wear the right kind of helmets. In New Jersey, all motorcyclists are required by the law to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet. If you want to ride in New Jersey, you must have a helmet that meets federal standards regarding performance, impact attenuation, penetration resistance, energy absorption, and retention system effectiveness. To ensure that your helmet meets these requirements, check the back for a DOT label.

There are many different styles of DOT-approved helmets to consider. You will want a helmet that is tailor-made for your riding style. Here are a few different helmet configurations to consider:

• Touring motorcycle helmets: These helmets are built for long-distance touring. They are ventilated better than most other helmet configurations and are designed for optimal comfort.
• Modular motorcycle helmets: These popular helmets can switch between a full-face configuration and an open-face helmet with a removable chin bar. Many riders love the versatility of these types of helmets.
• Dual sport helmets: These are suited for street riding and dirt bike riding. They often have extra-wide peripheral vision and many different safety features that you can choose from.
• High-viz neon helmets: These helmets are typically yellow and orange to increase visibility.
• Race helmets: These are lightweight, aerodynamic, and strong.

Once you have found the style of helmet you want, you will need to find one that is the perfect fit. Have a friend look at the top of your head to determine if you have a long oval, intermediate oval, or round oval head. Getting a helmet that does not match your head shape will cause pressure points on your forehead or on the sides of your head. Ideally, your helmet will fit snugly and comfortably on your head without pressure points. Remember, you can adjust the fit with replaceable cheek pads and liners.

Of course, your safety does not begin and end with your helmet. You should wear long pants and sleeves that protect your arms and legs at all times. You should also consider boots and gloves that protect your skin from wind damage and burns. What you choose to wear while riding is the only protection between you and the road.