Whether riding from Big Rock to Starved Rock or commuting daily to work, riding a motorcycle is a great time. Illinois is one of only three states in the United States that does not legally require drivers or passengers to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. While it may not be the law, riding your motorcycle without a helmet can be incredibly dangerous and potentially deadly in the event of an accident. While motorcycles only account for 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, motorcycles were involved in more than 11% of vehicle accident fatalities in the state in 2022. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your love of motorcycle riding for safety, and you don’t have to. Choosing the right protective gear can help protect you and your passengers from harm.
How to Choose the Right Helmet
With seemingly unlimited helmets to choose from, it can be difficult to know which motorcycle helmet to purchase and which criteria matter when making a good helmet purchase. There are four main things to consider when researching which helmet to invest in: shape, size, style, and safety.
Shape: Getting a helmet that matches the shape of your head is necessary for a comfortable fit – if your helmet isn’t comfortable, you aren’t likely to wear it or enjoy your ride. Helmets are generally designed in different shapes: round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. To determine your head shape, take a photo or have a friend look at the top of your head (not the shape of your face).
Size: To accurately measure your head, use a soft measuring tape starting on your forehead above your eyebrows and circle around the thickest part of your head. Use this measurement as a reference when using the helmet size chart for each helmet you research. A correctly fitting helmet will feel a little tight and have some pressure, but it will not be uncomfortable. There should be no movement of the helmet when you shake your head.
Style: There are many different helmet styles; full-face helmets will provide the most protection, while half-helmets and open-face helmets provide minimal protection.
Safety: Any helmet you consider purchasing should meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. All helmets that meet this safety standard will have a Department of Transportation (DOT) symbol on the outside back of the helmet. Keep a lookout for fake DOT labels on helmets; indications a helmet does not meet DOT standards include:
- If the helmet is less than 1 inch thick
- If the helmet does not have a stiff foam inner liner
- If the helmet weighs a pound or less – DOT approved helmets generally weigh about 3 pounds
- Advertising the “lightest weight helmet” or “thinnest helmet available.”
What Other Protective Gear Should I Get?
While we often think of helmets when we think of motorcycle safety, other protective gear can help keep you safe in an accident. Additional gear you should consider includes:
Jackets and Pants: Motorcycle jackets and pants can provide additional protection. Quality is key when investing in jackets and pants – you should look for items made from abrasion-resistant materials such as leather or Kevlar. Jackets should have CE-rated armor on the elbows, shoulder, and back; pants may feature this armor on the hips and knees. CE-rated armor provides additional padding on impact. Ensure that these clothing items meet your weather and temperature needs so you are comfortable. Make sure the gear fits comfortably and snugly but does not restrict your movement in any way.
Boots: Motorcycle boots should have sturdy soles, ankle support, and shin protection. Good boots will provide you with traction in slippery weather conditions and protect your feet and ankles in the event of an accident.
Gloves: Gloves will give you better grip and control while riding. Motorcycle gloves should be made of sturdy material with reinforced palms and knuckles for additional protection in case of an accident.
Contact Us Today If You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident
Despite investing in all the best safety gear, accidents happen. If you have been in an accident when riding your motorcycle, Cullotta Bravo Law can help you. Our firm will help you every step of the way to ensure you receive the best compensation possible. Call Cullotta Bravo Law today at 630-898-7800 or contact us online for a free consultation.