It was around three years ago that I bought my first motorcycle. It was an old workhorse that was basically not so good.
However, I fettled with it, put it back after ripping every piece apart. By the time I was done, the bike was modestly okay and could do a reasonable 130 kph, given a long road.
The moment my father got to know my bike was ready, the very next thing he did was take me to a helmet shop and ensure that I rode safe every where I went.
And that was the start of adherence to safety on my part. You see what my father did with his simple gesture was to instill a sense of discipline in me. He made sure I understood safety for what it is and that changed me. Buying a helmet is a simple procedure. You just visit a shop, try different sizes of helmets until eventually one fits and go back home. Now, I must point out that I am talking about normal helmets that people can use day-to-day rather than some new space-age stuff in the market that costs a million rupees to buy.
However, there are things that need to be considered while buying a helmet. The first is to pick your choice from different helmet models. I prefer close faced ones. After you’ve found the right size, check for ventilation (in a close faced helmet), padding, how audible it is once the visor is shut, visibility and weight.
Weight is an important factor here because a simple addition of 200 grams will result in neck pain over a period of usage. So, it is better to go for light helmets. However, make sure the helmet meets ISI standards to say the least.
Also, do not bother paying a bit extra for helmets that are quite simply made of better materials. It is all a matter of taste but keep in mind that the wobbly brain inside your head needs to stay inside your head. What is interesting is that people somehow take safety for granted and do not buy helmets the proper way. Let me give a couple of examples.
In Chennai at least there are countless roadside vendors who sell helmets for around Rs 300-500. People who buy those helmets do so just to avoid cops catching them. Little do they think about safety. Those cheap helmets are nothing but a mould of cheap plastic that will never prevent one’s skull from getting crushed, should such a calamity befall a person.
Another wrong way people buy helmets is through online. Now, if you know your head size perfectly and the manufacturer is renowned, then there wouldn’t be an issue. But if you don’t know your measurements, then things can get a bit tricky as the British and Americans use different numbers to denote sizes and it is all a bit confusing.
Take the case of my senior colleague. He brought a helmet twice online and returned it both times because it did not fit him. It was a waste of time and energy because he, like many others, did not know the unfathomable details that go into making a helmet.
Now head to the nearby helmet shop and don’t be shy to try different helmets on. Because, it might well change things for you.