New Delhi: Understanding basic road safety rules like wearing a helmet or seat belt while driving motorcycle or car, driving as per the speed limit, driving according to the road safety signs is one thing, while following them is the other part of the story. Is your helmet capable of protecting you from a head injury in case of a road accident? May be yes, may be no! According to United Nations report, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a road crash than drivers of passenger cars. Wearing an appropriate helmet improves their chances of survival by 42 per cent and helps avoid 69 per cent of injuries to riders. Here’s a checklist for buying helmets that are safe.
1. Choose A Style That Suits You
There are three styles of helmets that is open face, full face and flip up. Each helmet has its own merits and demerits. The choice of the style completely depends on the type of rider you are. Though it is advised to choose full face helmet because it gives you complete protection. From your head to your chin, entire face fits within a helmet.
2. Just Like Clothes, Helmets Too Have A Size And Fit
It is important to choose a helmet that sits perfectly on your head. Both over sized and under sized helmets are risky. While tight helmets will make it difficult for you to drive, putting a pressure on your neck, over sized helmets will move freely and they might slip down and cover your eyes which can be dangerous during a ride. You can make the helmet fit perfectly using straps.
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3. Composition Of The Helmet Matters
A helmet should be tough from outside and soft from inside. There are three parts to most helmets, shell, liner and strap. The exterior should be like a hard shell then there comes an impact absorbing liner and then comfortable padding which needs to be both soft and protective. Helmet straps are generally made of nylon or polypropylene.
4. Purchase Only ISI Marked Helmets
Around 70-80 per cent of the helmets used by the riders across India do not meet ISI guidelines. It is advised to purchase only tested and certified helmets. Non-ISI marked helmets are generally of low quality which compromise on safety standards. The sole purpose of the helmet is to protect your skull during a road fatality, if it will not be able to fulfill the purpose then what is the point of wearing it. ISI mark helmets might be a bit expensive as compared to low quality helmets, but this as an investment.
5. Check The Weight Of The Helmet
Wearing a helmet should not feel like carrying a mountain on your head. Heavy helmets may cause neck injuries and make you uncomfortable while driving. It is essential to buy a helmet that is neither too heavy to wear nor too light. It should be safe and reliable.