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2 Manufacturers 3 Standards 4 Laws 5 Other |
Description
A motorcycle helmet is a piece of protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the rider's head during impact, although many helmets provide additional conveniences.
A motorcycle helmet may offer a face shield against wind, grit, bugs, etc. Such a shield can be clear or tinted. Full face helmets often provide additional vents for cooling. They can range in coverage from simply capping the top of the head to complete head-encasing shells, most generally fastened by a chin strap. Modern helmets are constructed from plastics, kevlar, or carbon fiber, and typically supply their best protection for only the first impact.
Manufacturers
Some well-known manufacturers of motorcycle helmets are (in no particular order) : Shoei (pronounced show-eh), Arai, Suomy, Nolan, Bell, AGV, Schuberth.
Standards
In North America, there are two well-known sets of standards that can be used to judge the effectiveness of a motorcycle helmet in an accident. DOT is often considered the minimum for legal riding. The Snell Memorial Foundation has developed stricter requirements and testing procedures for motorcycle helmets, as well as helmets for other activities (e.g. bicycling, horseback riding).
Laws
Motorcycle helmets are believed to greatly reduce casualties in motorcycle accidents, thus many states and countries have laws requiring minimum acceptable helmets to be worn by motorcycle riders. This is not the case everywhere and there are some who disagree with the enforcement of helmet use, opposing them on civil liberty or safety grounds (see Helmet law defense league).
Other
A motorcycle helmet is sometimes used in a robbery and other crimes, as a mask to prevent recognition. For someone participating in a riot it has a double function of protection against some harm as well as against recognition. However, police agencies do notice motorcycle helmets and can selectively pursue those people they consider to be more dangerous or inflammatory. Also, many people in stores in the USA have shot helmet wearers on the grounds of preventing dangers to themselves.