With April being Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month, it’s a good time to check your customer’s helmets to make sure they are safe to use for the season ahead. It’s also a good time to replace the ones that are unsafe.
Helmet Safety Tips:
-Did you know that a helmet should be replaced every 3-5 years even if it’s not damaged? General wear and tear can cause materials to break down over time and cause the helmet to not fit as snug as it did in the beginning. Also, the sun’s UV rays can cause damage over time to the shell materials that will compromise the helmet’s safety aspects.
– Any noticeable damage after an accident and the helmet should be replaced. Helmets that have been involved in a crash may have compressed the EPS liner and therefore will not absorb further damage. If you have dropped it and see scuff marks that go through the painted surface then it may also be a good idea to replace it.
– Helmet fit is critical to its ability to protect the rider. If the helmet moves around or slides back and forth it is a good idea to find a helmet that fits properly.
Today’s helmets are put through more stringent testing procedures to pass certifications such as DOT, Snell or ECE. Other new technology is helping to reduce rotational forces. Have you heard about MIPS? MIPS stands for multi-directional impact protection system. This system reduces rotational forces to the brain from angled impacts by allowing the helmet to slide relative to the head. It provides a large area of coverage without worrying about sweat being absorbed or comfort.
For more information visit mipsprotection.com.
