If you have a motorcycle, then you likely understand that you need to be careful on the road. Statistical data indicates that around 90,000 motorcyclists are injured each year, and over 4,000 die in accidents. You are 26 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than you are in vehicle accident. Many of the incidents are caused by drivers who do not see motorcycles and stop, turn, or maneuver in front of them. If you are injured in this type of incident, then you can likely get help from a motorcycle accident attorney to sue the car driver for pain, suffering, and injuries. You will need to make it out of the accident alive though. Once of the best ways to increase your chances of living is to make sure that you wear a helmet. States like Minnesota, New Mexico, Montana, and Wisconsin only require a helmet if you are over the age of 17. However, around 39% of motorcyclists who die each year from accidents do not wear helmets. If you want to start, even though the law says you do not have to, then keep reading to learn about how to choose the right one.

Go For A Snell Rated Helmet

Helmets that are sold by retailers must pass stringent safety ratings and guidelines. If you want to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle, then it must meet department of transportation (DOT) standards. Helmets are tested by being dropped onto an anvil four times. This helps to determine how much speed and force it takes to break or damage the helmet. The tests also determine how long it takes the helmet to stop moving after it hits an object. While the department of transportation does carry out tests on certain helmets, they generally allow manufacturers to indicate if they meet DOT standards or not without the need for outside testing.

If you want to make sure that your head is as safe as possible, then opt for a helmet that is Snell certified. Snell certification is completed by the Snell foundation that was founded after Pete Snell died from a head injury during an amateur racing event. This foundation has more stringent motorcycle helmet tests than the DOT, so Snell certified helmets will protect the head better. Also, the foundation will complete their own testing on helmets to make sure they meet the Snell standards.

Look For The Right Fit

Many motorcycle helmets come in small, medium, and large sizes to help fit individuals with different head sizes. However, you may not find a helmet that fits quite right if you purchase a helmet with a standard shape. Most people will have heads that are oval shaped. An average person has a shape that is described as a rounded egg.

Basically the head is slightly longer from front to back if you are viewing it from the top of the crown. However, some people have heads that are longer from front to back than usual. If you have a head like this, then you need to look for a long oval helmet. If your head is a bit more round or looks more like a circle along the crown, then a round oval helmet is best. Not all motorcycle helmet manufacturers will have helmets made for both different head sizes and shapes, so make sure to look around for a company that offers shaped helmets.