Helmet Safety: Important Reasons to Wear Helmet on Two Wheelers

Recently, wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler, has been made mandatory in Pune, the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra in India. The Traffic Police Department of Pune enforced this rule with an aim to lower the number of accidents and the casualties resulting due to the same. While this is very thoughtful of the police department, people are still reluctant about wearing helmets citing various (mostly silly) reasons like:

• Helmets cause discomfort
• It is difficult to carry the helmets when not riding the bikes
• Wearing a helmet messes the hair

But these reasons are negligible compared to your precious life. Helmets have been in existence since the middle ages. However, they were restricted to military use in the earlier times. With time the designs and the use of helmets evolved. The headgear now was also used for protecting players’ head while playing games and safeguarding the riders of a carriage. Today, the significance of a helmet is all the more germane as the roads are heavily flooded with speeding vehicles and the chances of being in an accident are very high. Also, the patch works and continuous development of the Indian roads increase the chances of accidents.

Importance of Wearing a Helmet While Riding Your Two-Wheeler

1. Helmet is effective in reducing head injuries

Wearing a helmet helps to reduce the impact of an accident on your head. While riding your two-wheeler, it is very likely that if you are involved in an accident, then the resulting head injuries can be fatal, if you are not wearing a helmet. If you face a collision without wearing a helmet, it might cause external as well as internal brain injuries, which can cost your life. Thus, you should wear helmets to protect your life.

2. Helmet protects your eyes

A full-faced helmet covers your entire face, providing you the complete protection in case you go through an accident. This type of helmet protects your eyes from dust and high beam lights when driving your two-wheeler. Also, the design of this helmet allows you to have a maximum sight range while driving.

3. Helmet ensures better control of the vehicle

It is observed that wearing a helmet improves your attention while riding your bike. You tend to be more cautious and control your speed when wearing a helmet while driving your two-wheeler. This lowers the chances of an accident to a great extent.

4. Helmet protects you from cold breeze

Wearing a helmet not only covers your head but also covers your ears. This layer of safety blocks the cool breeze to enter your ears and thus helps you to stay healthy & prevent you from getting sick in the cold weather. Also, wearing a helmet in summers helps you to stay cool as it lowers the temperature due to the solid inline cushioning.

5. Wearing helmet saves you from fines

With the mandate of wearing a helmet in place, traffic police are on high alert to fine people riding their bikes without wearing a helmet. You should thus wear a helmet while driving and prevent from paying hefty fines & spoiling your driving record.

Advantages of Wearing a Helmet

Wearing a helmet while riding a bike or scooter is crucial for safety. It significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident, providing vital protection for the most vulnerable part of the body—the head. Below are some key advantages of wearing a helmet:

1. Protection Against Head Injuries

The primary function of a helmet is to protect your head in case of a crash. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a fall or collision, reducing the chances of severe head injuries like concussions, skull fractures, or brain damage.

2. Improved Visibility

Many helmets are designed with bright colors or reflective materials, increasing your visibility to other road users. This is particularly important during low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk, or at night, helping you stay safe on the road.

3. Enhanced Comfort

Helmets also provide comfort by shielding riders from wind, dust, and debris. On long rides, helmets can protect your face from harsh weather conditions like sun, rain, and cold, improving the overall riding experience.

4. Protection Against Road Debris

In addition to head injuries, helmets help protect you from debris like stones, insects, or branches that could cause harm. A well-designed helmet can prevent these small objects from hitting your face or eyes.

5. Legal Requirement

In many countries, wearing a helmet is mandatory by law. Not wearing one can result in fines, penalties, or even legal consequences, making it important for riders to adhere to safety regulations.

5 Tips to Purchase a Helmet

1. Buy a helmet for the driver as well as the pillion riders to ensure the safety of all the people riding on the bike.
2. Always buy a full-faced helmet as it covers your entire face and provides overall safety.
3. Helmets also have an expiry date. Thus, you should get a new helmet every 3-5 years.
4. Clean the glass of your helmet on regular basis to ensure a clear vision while driving your bike.
5. Replace your helmet immediately after it has been damaged in a collision.

Conclusion

Wearing a helmet while riding a two wheeler is crucial for ensuring rider safety. It provides essential protection against head injuries, reduces the risk of severe trauma in accidents, and offers comfort against weather elements. Helmets also increase visibility, making riders more noticeable to other road users. With legal requirements in place in many regions, helmets are a simple yet effective way to protect your life and enhance your riding experience. Always prioritize safety by wearing a helmet on every ride. Another safety measure that you can adopt is buying an insurance policy for bike, which can take care of your finances in case you and/or vehicle gets damaged in any accident or due to natural calamitie *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.