Riding Without Helmet: Motorcycle Thrills And Consequences

For some motorcycle riders, nothing beats the touch of sun and wind on their skin. And, most of them think that wearing a helmet limits their sense of freedom. Therefore, they forego wearing one. 

Motorcycle Riding Thrills 

Riding a motorbike is an experience like no other. It’s exhilarating to ride a motorcycle at high speeds on a wide-open road, but it can also be terrifying. However, despite the surge of excitement, riding without a helmet puts the rider in danger of motorcycle accidents. 

Some states that have universal laws require riders to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. If you want information about this law, get more on this site.

In Indiana, however, the majority of motorcyclists aren’t required to wear a helmet. Per state law, only motorcyclists below the age of 18 or who possess an instructional permit are obliged to use helmets. Nevertheless, just because the law permits it doesn’t automatically mean you should skip wearing a helmet. Riding without it carries significant risk.  

Risk Of Riding Without Helmet 

In the case of an accident, a motorbike lacks the structural safeguards that a car offers. Motorcyclists must take additional care to prevent injury to their bodies while on the road. Also, protecting one’s head should always be the priority. Motorcycle accidents may cause severe damage not only to the head and brain but to the whole body. 

Helmet-wearing motorists and passengers have a substantially higher probability of surviving than those who don’t wear one. Thus, wearing a helmet may help you prevent life-altering traumas if you’re caught in a motorcycle accident. Before selling your Harley because you don’t want to wear a cumbersome helmet, realize there is a large variety of low-profile helmets that have great safety features but don’t require you to wear the bulkiest helmet available. You can stay safe and still enjoy the ride, just do your homework when searching for a proper helmet.

How Helmets Work

A helmet is designed to minimize the risk of severe head and brain traumas by mitigating the effect of a shock on the head. Helmets function in three ways: 

1. It slows the skull’s descent by controlling the impact. 
2. It disperses the impact forces across a larger surface area, preventing them from being focused in specific regions of the skull. 
3. It acts as a physical barrier between the head and the striking object. 

The motorcycle helmet’s parts work together to shield the rider in the event of a collision. These parts are: 

• Shell: The shell is the helmet’s hard outer surface. This part spreads the impact over a wide surface area, thus reducing the force before it hits the skull. While the shell is strong, it is intended to collapse when it comes into contact with anything hard. It shields the helmet’s cushioning from scratches and impacts caused by tiny and sharp objects hitting the helmet. It also protects against abrasions and impacts from regular use. The shell has to be sturdy, with a smooth external surface in most cases. 
• Liner: The liner is cushioned with a soft, breakable substance, often expanded polystyrene, frequently referred to as Styrofoam.  
• Padding: This is the supple foam-and-cloth layer that lies directly under the skull. It contributes to the safety of the head and the fit of the helmet. 
• Chin Strap: The strap is the device that secures the helmet to the rider’s head in the event of a collision. It helps retain the helmet after an accident, but it must be worn properly for it to work well. 

Additionally, it’s essential to get a helmet that fulfills all applicable safety requirements. You shouldn’t just go for the first attractive-looking helmet you see. The gear you choose should be well-fitting, comfortable, and should include all the necessary functions. 

Helmets are intended to decrease the likelihood of head, brain, and face injuries but not eliminate damage to other body parts. Wear appropriate clothing to minimize the risk of damage to other areas of the body. 

Benefits Of Wearing A Helmet 

While some may find wearing a helmet restrictive, the safety advantages are obvious. Since motorbikes are open vehicles, riders are in danger of being thrown off the motorbike and sustaining serious injuries. 

Here are five benefits of wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle. 

1. Lower Death Risks 

To avoid an unintentional fatality, wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike is essential. Helmets protected 1,859 lives in 2016 and an additional 802 lives might have been spared if all motorcycle riders wore helmets. Just in Indiana alone, 101 individuals lost their lives due to motorbike accidents. 

States with helmet legislation have fewer motorcycle mortality cases from head injuries. Thus, misfortunes may be avoided, and people could be saved by requiring riders and their companions to wear helmets.

2. Reduced Risk Of Brain Injury 

It’s critical for motorcycle riders to recognize the dangers associated with driving without a helmet. Motorists who don’t wear helmets put themselves in danger of getting serious brain damage in an accident. Without safety, even at moderate speeds, the head is susceptible to a severe impact. 

The helmet shields the rider’s brain from a potentially deadly blow. Any hit on the head may be devastating, especially if you’ve just fallen or been in a motorcycle crash. Without a helmet, you run the risk of becoming paralyzed in the event of an accident. 

3. Reduced Risk Of Spinal Injuries 

Spinal injuries are among the most dreaded injuries. Riding a motorbike without a helmet increases your chance of suffering from one. Helmets do more than protect a rider’s head. They may also assist in keeping the rider’s head in a stationary state. 

If a rider’s head stays stable after an accident, the likelihood of suffering from severe neck or spinal damage may be reduced. However, those who sustain severe spinal traumas may also suffer from partial or complete paralysis or even death. 

4. Face Protection 

Helmets guard the rider’s head, eyes, and mouth from flying road debris because of its strong protective shell.  It serves as a barrier from foreign things, including pebbles, mud, gravel, and tree branches.  

5. Helps With Vision And Hearing 

Without a helmet, riders may find it more difficult to keep their eyes on the road while traveling at high speeds. The sun’s brightness may impair eyesight, while the wind’s noise can interfere with hearing.  

Wearing a helmet may reduce the level of background noise from oncoming vehicles. The helmet’s visor may also shield your eyes from the glaring sun, raindrops, and road debris.  

Final Thoughts 

While taking all reasonable safety measures, accidents may still happen. However, you could minimize the risk of having accident-related injuries if you’re wearing a helmet. If you’re going on a ride on a motorcycle, you should always wear a helmet.