Ride Safe, Ride Smart: Why Wearing a Helmet is a No-Brainer
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Going on a two-wheeler, maybe a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter, is always an exhilarating experience like no other in terms of freedom. But with that freedom comes responsibility. One of the most elementary responsibilities any rider can take is to wear a helmet. There exists abundant scientific proof that helmets save lives; however, still, so many riders choose not to wear them.
In this article, we shall go over an in-depth discussion of why helmets are a non-negotiable issue in safe riding. The discussion shall traverse the advantages of wearing helmet, the science of helmet protection, legal aspects, types of helmets used, and modifications to one's life story after ignoring this very important aspect. The harnessing of helmet awareness could be a life-preserving game changer, be it one who commutes daily, and enjoys occasional rides or rides for recreation.
Helmet-Protective Science
advantages of wearing helmet is purposefully designed primarily to protect the precious brain, among all other organs of the human body. A head injury could result in either life-changing consequences or death. So how do helmets defend against injury for riders?
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Shock Absorption: The helmet has an outer hard shell with crash foam lining underneath. The outer shell resists sudden impacts, transferring impact energy over a larger area, while the foam absorbs shock energy and therefore acts as a shock absorber for the skull.
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Preventing Skull Fracture: On head-on impact, any rider without a helmet is likely to sustain severe skull fractures. Such skull fractures cause severe collateral injuries, including irreversible brain damage. The helmet works as a buffer or an intermediary, cushioning those injuries.
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Reduction in Brain Injuries: It reduces the impact of the rotational forces on the brain and therefore reduces the chances of concussion and traumatic brain injury greatly.
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It will also protect from road rash and debris: A full-face helmet protects from dust and particles, debris, and dreadful weather.
Helmet use has largely been connected to decreasing the rate of fatalities and injuries.
Some very hard figures are as follows:
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The World Health Organization (WHO) states that using a helmet decreases by 42% the risk of fatal head injury and by 69% the risk of serious head injury.
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NHTSA reported an estimated 1,872 lives saved by the use of helmets in a single year.
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Cyclists wearing helmets are less likely to sustain severe head injuries, with a 60% reduced risk when compared to those not wearing helmets.
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In states where the helmet law is strictly enforced, motorcycle fatalities have decreased by 37%.
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Studies argue that unhelmeted riders stand three times higher chances of incurring fatal head injuries in accidents than helmet-wearing riders.
The Legal Side: Helmet Laws Around The World
In one part of the globe, helmet laws may differ from another side, but even more so among states or provinces. Some countries are strict on helmet laws; others leave it up to the rider to decide. Therefore, knowing one's local laws helps one to stay away from an unnecessary fine and keep oneself safe to the maximum.
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USA: This is where states enforce helmet laws universally or partially, with restrictions on certain age groups.
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UK: Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists but not for cyclists.
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Australia: Helmet-wearing is made compulsory for motorcyclists and cyclists in every state.
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India: Clearly, helmets are obligatory for both the riders and pillion riders, but enforcement is on the loose.
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European Union: Most countries enforce the helmet rules for motorcyclists while bicycle helmet laws tend to differ in every country.
Yet, despite the law, one constant remains: Wearing a helmet is about protecting oneself against unsafe situations.
Some Excuses For Not Wearing A Helmet (And Why They Are Not Valid)-
The growing evidence suggests most riders will avoid wearing one, except for a few valid reasons. But the following are common excuses and an explanation as to why they don't work:
1. "Helmets feel uncomfortable".
Modern helmets are heavily ventilated for the weightless materials and paddings that make them comforting. So as long as the helmet fits the individual well, discomfort should not arise.
2. "I am a very safe rider, I do not need one".
You could be the ultimate cautious rider in the land; however, you cannot control another driver, road conditions, or an unexpected hazard that suddenly appears, say, like a pothole or an unexpected stop.
3. "Helmets mess up my hair".
Messing your hair is a little downside when your life is at stake.
4. "I take only short trips".
Accidents happen anywhere, anytime, and mostly within a few incidences some miles from home.
5. "Helmets impede my hearing and vision".
Good helmets are designed to allow a full view while filtering any unnecessary wind noise, permitting necessary sounds, like honks or sirens.
Choosing the Right Helmet: What to Consider
The helmet provides various levels of safeguarding. Thus, here are some guidelines for selecting one's helmet:
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Certification: Ensure that the safety certificates are DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), or Snell, which assures the level of protective efficacy of the helmet.
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Proper Fit: A helmet should fit firmly but should not be uncomfortably tight. A loose helmet moves when the head is shaken. Multiple sizes should always be tried before making a purchase.
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Full-Face vs. Open-Face: Full-face helmets provide most protection, as they cover the entire head and face, while open-face helmets provide less protection but allow for more air circulation.
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Ventilation and Comfort: Make sure there is very good ventilation in the design, so there is little to no possibility of sweaty unrest during hours of riding.
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Visor Protection: Anti-fog and scratch-proof visors increase visibility and, therefore, safety under varying weather conditions.
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Weight and Material: Light in weight and made of fiberglass or carbon fiber is the most appropriate in being as comfortable as being safer.
How to Make the Habit of Wearing a Helmet Life-Saving
Integrating the wearing of a helmet into your life becomes the routine and easy way to forge your habit of wearing a helmet whenever on the ride:
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Keep Your Helmet Nearby: Always have it beside your keys or bike to forget them.
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Buy Your Best-Looking Helmet: You'll wear it because you like the way it looks.
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Be a Role Model: Wear your helmet all the time to set an example for your kids or ride group.
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A Trigger: If needs be, set your phone alarm and remind you to wear your helmet before you leave home.
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Teach Others: Get friends and family to wear helmets by throwing in statistics and telling stories about actual injuries sustained by people.
Protect Your Head, Protect Your Life: Conclusion
Riding without a helmet is recklessly stupidity. A helmet doesn't only prevent injuries; it saves lives. Safety first. Helmet- not just an accessory, but the device which saves life when you ride motorcycle or bicycle or scooter. Wearing a quality helmet seems to yield enjoyment for a lifetime, as the best part is wearing it every time.
So every time you wanna cruise, take the right way - ride safe, ride smart, and forever, put on your helmet!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are the advantages of wearing helmet?
Research consistently finds that protective headwear effectively reduces the risk of serious brain injury or death: in an impact, the helmet absorbs most energy during a fall or collision. As important as wearing a helmet is wearing one that fits properly.
What is a helmet useful for?
Helmets are meant to serve as safety gear to absorb injury from all sorts of uncontrolled environments. When a crash or impact cannot be avoided but not prevented, a helmet is there to lessen, if not reduce, the injury to the head and brain.
Will a helmet protect your brain?
The bottom line is that helmets effectively reduce the risk of head and brain injury by 65% to 88%, with face injuries in the upper and mid regions also being prevented in 65% of cases. They work for cyclists of all ages and on all crash types, with or without motor vehicle involvement.
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