If you have just started riding, you may be overwhelmed by all of the different helmet options there are to choose from. One of the most difficult parts of buying your first helmet is understanding the motorcycle helmet safety standards.
There are two different agencies which set motorcycle helmet safety standards in North America. The first is a government required minimum safety rating set by the Department of Transportation, or DOT.
It is important to note that a DOT certification to be displayed on your helmet, to certify that it is legal. A police officer can ask to see it if they would like to inspect your helmet, which does happen on occasion.
A second and very important note is that DOT stickers are placed on by the manufacturer though an honor system that their helmets are safe, and these helmets are not tested by the government. So use your judgment.
There is a second motorcycle helmet safety standard is set by SNELL, the Snell Memorial Foundation's certification. This is a non governmental independent testing laboratory certification.
The SNELL standard involves more elements and is more strenuous than the DOT standard tests. Also unlike the DOT test, SNELL labs test the helmets themselves on helmets provided by the manufacturer.
However, there are drawbacks to the SNELL testing. It is very expensive for manufacturers, so not all can do the testing. It also involves less helmets than the DOT standard testing.
If you find a SNELL helmet that you like, and can afford, they are guaranteed to meet certain safety standards. But this does not mean that a DOT motorcycle helmet safety standard certified helmet will not also protect you.
There are two different agencies which set motorcycle helmet safety standards in North America. The first is a government required minimum safety rating set by the Department of Transportation, or DOT.
It is important to note that a DOT certification to be displayed on your helmet, to certify that it is legal. A police officer can ask to see it if they would like to inspect your helmet, which does happen on occasion.
A second and very important note is that DOT stickers are placed on by the manufacturer though an honor system that their helmets are safe, and these helmets are not tested by the government. So use your judgment.
There is a second motorcycle helmet safety standard is set by SNELL, the Snell Memorial Foundation's certification. This is a non governmental independent testing laboratory certification.
The SNELL standard involves more elements and is more strenuous than the DOT standard tests. Also unlike the DOT test, SNELL labs test the helmets themselves on helmets provided by the manufacturer.
However, there are drawbacks to the SNELL testing. It is very expensive for manufacturers, so not all can do the testing. It also involves less helmets than the DOT standard testing.
If you find a SNELL helmet that you like, and can afford, they are guaranteed to meet certain safety standards. But this does not mean that a DOT motorcycle helmet safety standard certified helmet will not also protect you.
About the Author:
Hopefully you enjoyed this exceptionally good article about motorcycle gear. You can always just go to Splat Hat where some fun to read articles are being highlighted. They are specifically about Full Face Helmets which should go along nicely with this article.
No comments:
Post a Comment