Nearly every state in the U.S. has a law about wearing helmets on a motorcycle. Such laws weren’t passed just to mess up your hairdo; they were passed for extreme safety measures. The dangers of riding a motorcycle without a helmet are devastating. Protecting an individual’s head and neck are a top priority in motorcycle riding, and helmets are now specifically designed to address the safety needs of motorists. In fact, nearly all U.S. states require motorists to wear some form of headgear while riding.

All motorcycle helmets are unique, but many of them are built in a similar fashion. An overwhelming majority of motorcycle helmets produced today are made from strong, durable plastic materials. Very few, expensive helmets may include further reinforcement from materials like fiberglass, while an even smaller amount of marketed helmets are produced from non-plastic materials, such as Kevlar. Underneath the plastic outer shell of a helmet, there is a thick layer of polystyrene foam that encases the head. This cushioning is designed to absorb the impact of a crash. Despite the amount of padding or strong materials, however, helmets may not always offer full protection; if outer helmet shells do not crush, it may be harmful to the wearer.

There are many different types of motorcycle helmets. The safest is known as a full-face helmet. It covers every part of the head, from the chin to the bottom of the wearer’s skull. It also possesses a face covering and a visor, as well as vents to relieve the wearer of air stagnation. While a hotter, heavier helmet, it is the most protective. A different type of helmet similar to a full-face is a modular, which (unlike the full-face helmet) allows the chin bar on the helmet to flip upwards. However, this chin-bar is not easily flipped during riding; rather, it is designed for convenience when off the motorcycle. Less protective headgear includes open-face and half helmets, both of which expose large portions of a rider’s face. An open-face helmet has no chin bar, though it does still possess a facial visor. The least safe, a half helmet, covers only the top of the head and provides no facial protection at all.

Motocross motorcycles helmets have significantly different designs than the other types of helmets listed above. These helmets have longer front proportions, especially in the chin and visor areas. These changes are made to allow the rider to wear protective goggles beneath the helmet visor, while redirecting debris away from the rider’s face during a run. Their protectiveness is similar to full-face helmets, though their design is different.

All motorcycle helmets are unique, whether in construction or design. Intricate artwork has been found on many motorcycle helmets and they are an excellent way for riders to promote themselves, their businesses or their sponsors. Helmets are more than a safety tool; they are a stylish necessity for any serious motorcyclist.