Labeling Systems

The federal Department of Transportation (hereinafter DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets in the U.S. to check safety. The DOT has its own internal testing on the helmets, labeling those who meet its standards. If you are considering buying a motorcycle helmet and I do not see a DOT sticker, think again. This is not a helmet, you want to trust your life. They are likely intended as a novelty, not motorcycle.

Get a helmet appropriateon your head and get your head around these statistics —

DOT studies show that the percentage of riders wearing motorcycle helmets has fallen from 13 per cent over the past four years, down 58 per cent of riders. Despite accounting for only 2 percent of traffic on our roads, motorcycles were involved in 10 percent of all road accidents. Deaths from motorcycle accidents have more than doubled over the last ten years, and number more than 4,500 road accidents each year. There are also 78,000Injuries from motorcycle accidents and accident rates among drivers of motorcycles over 50 years has quadrupled.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards —

NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set a FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) for motorcycle helmets in the United States all the way back in August 1973. It was last updated in October 1998. These cover protection of the impact and penetration, while being able to stay onrider's head during an accident. There is also a requirement that motorcycle helmets sold in the United States provide at least a 210 degree field of vision, and a multitude of regulations on labeling of helmets.

The labeling requirements —

So what are these labeling requirements? A sticker or label on the DOT must be attached to the back of the helmet is at the center and down. It must also be a DOT label sewn permanently at theinside, and not located where it could be removed with the foam padding. A DOT label truly have the following information: the name or logo of the manufacturer, size, manufacturing date, name or model number and components from which the helmet is made. If you do not see this information on the label, do not repeat do not buy this helmet.

Beware of innovations —

Novelty helmets as helmets iconic Prussian style may be popular and chic, but notnot provide adequate protection in an accident and as such are not DOT approved. These helmets above does not even cover much of the head and are therefore unsafe to wear while riding. If you see a DOT sticker on one of these novelty helmets, inside to check the DOT label, but unfortunately, frauds are on the ground – you do not be fooled into thinking a novelty helmet DOT approved .
Unless you count the helmet should be worn for a costume party, take a pass on it.