When you bought your motorcycle, you probably knew exactly what you wanted. You may have researched your bike, read reviews, and taken it for a test drive.


When you bought your motorcycle helmet, chances are you put less thought into the decision. If you are like most riders, you chose your helmet as an afterthought. You knew that helmets can help prevent injury, but you went with the one that your dealer recommended, the one with the best price, or the one that just looked “right.”


Here are some tips from our Wisconsin motorcycle lawyers that can help you choose the motorcycle helmet that is right for you.

  1. Safety first: Make sure your helmet has D.O.T certification. A U.S. Department of Transportation sticker on the back of the helmet means that the helmet meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 218, also known as the D.O.T. standard. Helmets that meet the standard prevent penetration in most cases, have a fastening system that will withstand a significant amount of force, and has a liner that will absorb a certain amount of impact energy in a Wisconsin motorcycle crash.
  2. Make sure that the helmet will stay on. Choose a helmet that has straps that fasten by passing through two D-rings. Fasten the helmet snugly. Then grab the helmet from the back and try to get it off your head. If you can get it off, it is not a safe helmet for you.
  3. Check the fit. The helmet should stay in place even if you shake your head up and down, side-to-side, or front-to-back. It should fit snugly and grip the top and side of your head, your cheeks and your jaw, but it should not be uncomfortable.
  4. Make sure you can see. The helmet should not block or distort your vision.
  5. Comfort is important. If your helmet is uncomfortable, you won’t be able to concentrate on your ride. Ask to take the helmet for a test drive. This will give you a chance to see how it will work for you. If it isn’t comfortable, try another helmet.
  6. Appearance might matter. Bright colors will help you be seen.


The Wisconsin motorcycle lawyers at Hupy & Abraham offer motorcycle safety tips on our website. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Wisconsin motorcycle accident, we are here to help. Request a FREE copy of our book, The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims, or contact our office at 800-800-5678.