TextHow Do the Safety Ratings of Motorcycle Helmets Work?
Riding your motorcycle is fun and exhilarating, but riding can also be a high-risk activity. When it comes to motorcycle safety, one crucial accessory stands out: Your helmet.
Motorcycle helmets are designed to provide protection to riders, serving as a vital line of defense on the road. Not all helmets are created equal though, so how do you know which motorcycle helmet is truly safe? While higher-end helmets may offer advanced features, higher prices don't necessarily equal greater safety and protection. Safety largely depends on the helmet's materials, construction, and adherence to certification standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into understanding how the safety ratings of motorcycle helmets work. From the basics of helmet safety to the details of rating systems, there’s plenty for riders to be aware of before hopping on their bike.
Helmet Safety Ratings and Certifications
These standards are upheld by a few different agencies dedicated to safety, including DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), and Snell.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
The Department of Transportation provides the base level certification needed for any helmet to be sold in North America. While the DOT does not test or look at the helmets themselves, they hold helmet manufacturers responsible for properly testing their products and ensuring they meet standard before selling them to consumers.
The aspects the DOT takes into consideration include:
- Helmet retention
- Field of vision
- Penetration resistance
ECE (Economic Commission for Europe)
The Economic Commission for Europe upholds the minimum standard allowed for helmets in more than 50 European countries. Helmets certified by the ECE go through a series of more thorough tests than the DOT-rated helmets do.
For ECE testing, third-party labs conduct a very stringent test on the helmets using different shaped dummy heads and consider the following elements for certification:
- Rider field of vision
- Helmet weight and distribution
- Shell strength
- High impact tests at fixed points on the helmet
Snell
The SNELL M certification from the Snell Memorial Foundation is highly valued and completely voluntary for manufacturers. This certification is considered the premium standard of North American safety certifications, as Snell certified helmets are put through tough, rigorous conditions in Snell Labs to prove its safety and durability. In addition, Snell also tests their helmets inside a weather chamber, putting helmets through freezing temperatures and covered in ice, very high temperatures, and soaking it with water for four hours straight.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet
It’s important to find the optimal helmet for your head shape and size to ensure it fits properly and will protect you on the road. The keyword here is “head” and not “face” when it comes to shape. Most people’s heads are generally round or oval shaped. To find your head shape, hold up a mirror to look at the top of your head or have a friend look at your head from the top.
Size plays a big role in finding the right helmet for your head. Using a cloth measuring tape, start your measurement just above your eyebrows, then circle it around your head at its thickest point. Once you find your measurement, check a helmet size chart to see where your head size falls to get the right size.
There are several different styles of helmets on the market, each offering their own unique features to fit your needs. When choosing your style helmet, your head shape and size can be taken into consideration, as well as the type of bike you will be riding and the conditions in which you will be riding.
Find the Perfect Motorcycle and Accessories at Your Powersports Dealer in Prince George, VA!
Found the perfect ride and need to find the perfect helmet and accessories for your new bike? Stop by RedLine Powersports Commonwealth and let our skilled team help you find your perfect fit. We’re stocked with genuine OEM parts and accessories, so you can leave our store well-equipped for your next adventure.
We are Virginia’s premier new and used powersports vehicle dealer, with a wide variety of motorcycles for sale, including:
- Honda
- GasGas
- Suzuki
- Kawasaki
- Yamaha
- Indian Motorcycle
We’re located in Prince George, VA - only a short drive from Richmond, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, VA so come shop for your new motorcycle or powersports vehicle with us or start browsing online today.
