There are different styles and designs available in motorcycle
stores these days. Colors range from classic solid colors to
domineering neon and luminous colors to promote conspicuity.
There are also replicas that look like 'super bike champ wear'.
Further, there are a lot more helmet to choose from...
Motorcycle accessories like helmet are a matter of personal
taste. In that case, aesthetic side is often chosen over
anything else. Anyhow, this has contributed why safety is most
of the time overlooked. Whatever the case may be rider's safety
must be the topmost priority.
In a study conducted by the NHTSA, DOT National Highway Traffic
Safety US Department of Transportation, they have subjected 50
motorcyclists, of varying age and riding experience to a test.
They were made to ride along a prescribed test route. Then, they
were asked to periodically change lanes and their head to check
traffic in the adjacent lane. Afterwards, they were made to
change lane in their normal manner. The riders have driven the
route three times, full and partial helmet on, and on the third
time, without wearing a helmet. The ability to hear surrounding
traffic was also altered systematically.
The study found out that helmets are not hindrance to
motorcyclist's ability to hear and observe surrounding traffic.
In connection with the hearing tests, no significant difference
was found in rider's ability to hear traffic, either between
helmet types or between helmet and no helmet. Hearing ability,
on the other hand, was significantly affected by vehicle speed
due to increased wind noise. However, for any given speed,
helmets did not diminish nor enhance hearing. In connection with
the vision tests, it showed that the minimal amount of the
lateral vision (field of view) that is sacrificed by wearing a
helmet can be made up by turning the head a little further.
Further, the study showed that 19 of the 23 riders who were
given the vision tests compensated for helmet use by turning
their head a little further before changing lanes. Overall, any
negative effect of helmets on rider vision appears to be very
minor, especially in comparison to the protection offered by
helmets should a crash occur.
Arai, Bell, Icon, AGV, Nolan, Thor, Erex, are some of the
leading motorcycle helmet manufacturers in the world. The
helmets they are releasing are mostly tested and approved by
Snell and DOT. Choose the best helmet for your secured journey!
Choosing is using your senses...
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