subject: The Motorcycle Helmet: Think Of Your Family [print this page] Even though there are now some states out there that have decided that it is perfectly legal to not wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, it is the key piece of equipment that will save your life in the event of an accident. Some people will argue that you could still end up with head injuries, even when wearing a helmet. While this is true, it should be noted that the head injuries received, are generally not life-threatening ones, as opposed to the ones you would receive without a helmet.
There are even some people who complain that the helmet takes away from the comfort of riding. Because of this, there are many companies out there making helmets that provide essential ventilation, ear protection, face shields and even intercoms for those who like a little extra technology. When shopping for the perfect helmet for your needs, you will need to be aware of the various types of helmets available to you.
There are the full-face helmets that cover the whole head, including the base of the skull and there is a section over the front of the chin for added protection. The plastic face shields usually move in order to allow access to your face and there are usually air vents as well in order to keep you from overheating.
The open face is another option. The helmet covers the top of the skull, the back of the skull and it does not have the chin protection like the full face. The open face helmet may or may not have a face shield.
Then there are the Flip-Up helmets that is a hybrid of the open face and the full-face helmets. Consider it the best of both worlds. These are starting to become more and more popular with riders.
The helmet that provides the least amount of protection is the half helmet. It is sometimes called "shorty";. This is because it has the same coverage for the front of the skull as the back. The face is completely open and they are known for shifting around of the riders head. This means that there is a chance it could come off in an accident.
Go over all of your options and think about your safety. Think of your family and all of the people in your life who need you to be safe.
