Wearing a motorcycle helmet saves lives. Lousiana law states that any operator or rider of a motorcycle or motorized bike must wear protective headgear.
No matter the law passed, some will disobey it, others disagree but still comply, and some willfully obey, while others enforce the law. The silver lining about the helmet law is the variety of headgear to choose. According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, there are six main types of motorcycle helmets:
- Full face
- Modular
- Off-road
- Half
- Open face
- Dual-sport
Full face helmet
The full-face helmet is the most protective and involves a chin bar. Many other helmet varieties do not protect the chin, which faces extensive trauma during many motorcycle crashes. This full-face helmet is the only style that protects not only your head but also your chin and jaw upon impact.
Modular helmet
The second type of headgear is a modular helmet. This helmet exists between a full face and a 3/4 helmet due to the ability to flip up the chin bar and visor for less restriction but leads to less protection in the event of a crash. If you do flip up the visor, most modular headgear comes with a secondary screen to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Half and open face helmets
3/4 helmets are also known as “open face” helmets. They have no chin bar and generally expose the face to the elements. You may also need to purchase separate eye protection for open face helmets.
A half helmet only covers your skull. The rest of your head faces real danger if you take a nasty spill. However, there are still DOT-approved half helmets if you yearn for less restrictive headgear.
Off-road and dual-sport helmets
The last two types of helmets are formulated more for off-roading. Off-road helmets come with larger visor and a chin bar built specifically for better ventilation and protection while riding during warmer months. While the visor is larger, these helmets usually don’t protect the rider’s vision, but does include shade protection.
Dual sport helmets integrate specs of off-road and full-face helmets. The exterior is much like an off-road helmet but offers a more comfortable fit, thanks to increased padding.
Because of the in-between style, dual-sports helmets are designed for street and off-road use.
A point to remember
Your helmet is your choice, but the important thing is to stay safe because even the safest riders experience accidents. If you end up being involved in a motorcycle or motorbike accident and wish to seek compensation, consider contacting a local personal injury attorney with experience dealing with motorcycle crashes.