Riding a motorcycle is one of the most enjoyable things you can do on Massachusetts roadways. While there are miles of back roads for motorcycle riders from around the US and the world to enjoy, it is important to be aware of the enhanced risks that one takes when riding a motorcycle. While it is law in Massachusetts to wear a motorcycle helmet, it is important to realize that this law is not just in place to appease insurance companies. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists without helmets are more than 3 times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injury as compared to those who have them on.
However, in order to reap all of the benefits of wearing a helmet, it is important to ensure that you are wearing a helmet that is certified by the Department of Transportation. There are many helmets out on the market that do not have the “DOT-approved” sticker, and these helmets are known as “novelty helmets.” While novelty helmets may have a specific aesthetic you were going after, these helmets cannot be relied on to fully protect you during a crash. In fact, Studies have shown that wearing a novelty helmet makes you two times more likely to die in a motorcycle crash as compared to those who are wearing DOT-approved helmets.
There are many different varieties of DOT-approved helmets to choose from. The most common varieties include open-faced, half face, and full face helmets. Full face helmets include a visor and these are the most protective. It is advisable to wear a full-face helmet to enjoy maximum protection while out on the roads.
