Kirk Bernard knows that safety gear is extremely important for motorcycle riders. A majority of fatal motorcycle accident injuries involve life-threatening or catastrophic traumatic brain injuries. A number of these serious injuries can be prevented by wearing a full-faced helmet. You also need clothing that will enhance your safety while on the road, such as full-sleeved leather jackets and leather boots. Such gear will help prevent painful road rash in the event of a crash.
However, the most important safety gear you need when you are riding a motorcycle is a good helmet. So, what is a good helmet? Here are some important points to consider before you go out and buy a motorcycle helmet, based on tips offered by the Motorcycle Cruiser magazine:
DOT Certification – Helmets are tested by several facilities around the country. Most of these certified helmets go through drop tests. A helmet is useless if it does not provide protection. The Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker on the back of your helmet is some assurance that your helmet will do what it’s supposed to do in the event of an accident. Do not go for novelty helmets. Safety comes first.
Retention – One test you need to do before buying a helmet is whether it will stay on your head during an accident. To do this test, with the strap securely fastened, grab the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. If it comes off, you need a different helmet.
Fit – This is important to make sure the helmet stays on your head. A full-face helmet should grip your cheeks and jaw as well as the top and sides of you head. A helmet, which is too loose, may come off your head and one that is too tight will be uncomfortable. Figure out the shape of your head so you can pick the perfect helmet that fits snugly and is at the same time, comfortable.
Comfort – Let’s face it. If a helmet is not comfortable, it’s not going to get worn. Don’t be in a hurry. Try on different helmets to determine which one will be most comfortable, even on longer rides.
Coverage – Full-coverage helmets offer maximum protection and other advantages such as eye protection. According to a recent study by the “Annals of Emergency Medicine,” motorcyclists with facial injuries are 3.5 times more likely to have a brain injury and those with facial fractures are 6.5 times more likely to have such injuries than those without facial damage. The study, conducted at the UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles, California with Dr. Jess Kraus as lead author looked at 5790 motorcyclists injured in crashes and reported that one in four had facial injuries with 411 sustaining facial fractures. It makes a strong case for getting the most possible coverage from your helmet.
Remember, that with a little bit of effort, you can make sure that you find a perfect helmet that fits well, offers you protection, is comfortable and looks good on you. For more information about motorcycle accidents and safety, please contact The Bernard Law Group for a free informational brochure. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call our Seattle personal injury lawyers for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard of The Bernard Law Group, has worked to protect the rights of injury and accident victims for more than 20 years as a civil litigator. Inspired by his father, Saul Bernard, who tried hundreds of cases beginning in the 1930s, Kirk Bernard works to maintain the family-rooted objective of making a difference to those who have been wronged by another.
In the extensive period that Kirk Bernard has been litigating injury cases, he has acquired invaluable legal knowledge to assist injury victims and their families in obtaining just compensation for the physical harm and emotional suffering that has befallen upon them at no fault of their own.
In acquiring millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients, Kirk Bernard’s dedication has helped Washington accident victims in receiving the monetary funds that they need to help pay for expenses associated with their injuries brought on by another individual’s negligence. In addition to being a skilled Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard is also a member of ATLA, the Consumer Attorney’s Association, and an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
