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.

How to Choose the Right Helmet

1. Determine Your Riding Needs: Identify whether you need a full-face helmet for highway rides, an open-face for city commutes, or a modular helmet for versatility.
2. Check for Safety Certification: Look for ISI, DOT, or ECE certifications to ensure the helmet meets safety standards and provides adequate protection.
3. Focus on Fit and Comfort: The helmet should snugly fit your head without being too tight or loose. Test for comfort over an extended duration.
4. Opt for Proper Ventilation: Choose a helmet with sufficient air vents to keep you cool and comfortable during long rides, especially in hot weather.
5. Assess Visibility: Ensure the visor offers a clear and wide field of vision. Anti-fog and scratch-resistant visors are a bonus.
6. Consider Weight: A lightweight helmet reduces neck strain on longer rides without compromising safety.
7. Set a Budget: Invest wisely, balancing affordability with safety and features.

Helmet Safety Ratings

Helmet safety ratings are crucial indicators of a helmet's reliability and ability to protect in accidents. Key rating standards include DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), and Snell certifications. Each of these measures the helmet's strength, impact absorption, and retention capabilities. A DOT-certified helmet meets basic safety requirements, while ECE and Snell ratings ensure more rigorous testing standards. Choosing a helmet with a recognized safety rating provides better assurance of durability and protection. Always check for certifications when purchasing a helmet to ensure it complies with high safety benchmarks for maximum riding safety.

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

FAQs

How do I know if a helmet is safe?

Check for safety certifications like DOT, ECE, or Snell. Ensure the helmet fits snugly, covers your head properly, and has no visible damage.

How effective are helmets in preventing head injuries?

Helmets reduce the risk of severe head injuries by absorbing impact during accidents, significantly lowering the chances of fatal injuries.

Why is it compulsory to wear a helmet?

Wearing a helmet ensures safety during accidents, reduces fatalities, and complies with legal regulations promoting responsible riding.

Who is required to wear a helmet?

All motorcyclists and pillion riders must wear helmets in most jurisdictions as per road safety laws.

Is it compulsory to wear a bike helmet?

Yes, wearing a helmet is mandatory in many countries for both riders and passengers to ensure safety and legal compliance.

How important is wearing a bike helmet?

Wearing a helmet is vital for head protection, reducing the risk of severe injuries, and ensuring a safe riding experience. *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.