India is one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world. Yet when it comes to road safety, our record is abysmal. India has one of the highest in the world. Infrastructure is not the only issue to blame. Many two-wheeler riders do not prefer to wear helmets in-spite of strict law enforcement. More often than not, those who use helmets are wearing an ill-fitting one which doesn’t offer much protection in case of an accident.
That is why, on the occasion of Road Safety Month, observed by the Ministry of Transport, Govt of India, from 18th January 2021 to 17th February 2021, we are covering an important topic. What are the parameters to choose the right helmet for personal ? The following guidelines should help.
- Coverage: There are various types of helmets depending on how much of your head is covered. Accordingly, there is open-face, full-face, chin-up, modular, off-road etc. While full-face is the best option for a biker, an open-face is good enough for a scooterist. The style or coverage is one’s personal choice.
- Shape: The external shape of the helmet, or shell, can vary depending on the style and brand. However, the internal shape is more important. The internal shape must resemble the wearer’s head shape. Human heads come in many shapes, from round, to oval, to earth-shaped, to egg-shaped. If the internal shape of the helmet does not resemble the wearer’s head-shape, there can be several pressure points on the wearer’s head which can make him/her uncomfortable. Also, the wearer’s chin should not touch the chin bar. The wearer should be able to open and close his/her mouth comfortably while wearing a helmet. All these are best checked by trying out the helmet in person. Avoid shopping for helmets, online or through an acquaintance.
- Size: The size of the helmet is of utmost importance and needless to say, it must fit the wearer’s head perfectly – neither tight nor loose. If it’s loose, the helmet can slide off or get stuck on one side in case of a fall. If it’s too tight, there is constant pressure on the head which is not healthy in the long run, not to mention discomfort. While trying out a helmet, wear it and shake your head up and down as well as left to right. The helmet must stay in place and not move with these movements.
- Type of inside lining: The inside lining must be soft, comfortable and must press on your cheeks, face, brows and temples perfectly, without causing any discomfort. Also, the cushioning used must be able to absorb moisture and further, the inner lining should be removable and washable. Else, it can get smelly over time, along with the risk of developing fungus. Fungus can cause respiratory ailments over time.
- Ventilation: The above point brings us to the next point – ventilation. There should be enough ventilation holes or slots either on the front, sides or back, so that air can flow in freely and help you breathe comfortably. Check this out while buying the helmet.
- Visor: The visor is important as the rider’s vision and in turn his/her safety is dependent on that. A good visor must be so designed that it will not block your peripheral vision and will help you have a large angle of view. It should not be too dark as it can impair your vision on a cloudy day or in the evenings. In case the visor has many scratches, it must be changed as these can also affect your vision.
- Chin-strap: The chin-strap must be comfortable and easily adjustable. Further the chin-strap cushion must be of good quality and not cut into the chin or neck. Choose chin-straps with the hook and loop design so that there is no loose strap that flies in the wind and causes irritation.
- Weight: The helmet must not be too heavy as this can hurt the neck and upper back, and cause orthopaedic conditions like spondylitis, later on, to the wearer.
- Noise-protection: There should be low ambient noise and minimal wind-noise after wearing the helmet, or during a ride. Else, if the noise is high, it affects the quality of experience to the rider. It’s preferable to buy a helmet that has a chin curtain which helps shut off some of the noise.
- Colour: The helmet should preferably be of light colour as then it absorbs less heat from the sunlight and keeps you comfortable. Dark coloured helmets can get hot quickly and transmit the heat to the wearer’s head and face, inside.
- Composition: The outer shell offers most of the protection in case of an accident. The thickness of the shell and material used for the same decide the quality or safety aspect of a helmet. Avoid helmets that are sold on the roadside and very low-priced. The materials used and shell thickness, are both questionable and can compromise your safety in case of a fall. Buy branded, good-quality helmets from a showroom
- Certification: All the above points brings us to the last and most important point of all – certification. Good quality helmets are certified by relevant agencies and authorities and are a stamp of its quality and safety aspect. Look for ISI, DOT, SHARP or ECE certification on the back of the helmet. Always buy helmets with one or more of these certifications and avoid uncertified brands.
Never compromise on your safety
There is a large market in India for fake, counterfeit, imitation and low-quality helmets which are sold at attractive prices. Do not fall for their advertising or marketing gimmicks. Safety and protection costs money, so it’s better to buy a good quality helmet at a higher price than buy a low-priced one and compromise your safety. The above guidelines will help you choose the right helmet which will ensure a safe and comfortable ride, every time, and everywhere! Every two-wheeler rider must understand the importance and necessity of wearing a helmet and the dangers of not wearing one.
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