We all know that motorcycling is dangerous. We as riders understand the risk we assume once we get on the bike. Do we need law enforcement choosing what we should wear for head protection? They sure don't purchase D.O.T. helmets for people like us but some are required to buy one. Perhaps it might be reasonable to have mandatory D.O.T. requirements if others were in jeopardy as a result of not wearing one. But that isn't the case. When we ride with no motorcycle helmet, it's our own safety risk that increases.
How did the idea of D.O.T. as an authority on helmet safety transpire? Perhaps only because of the fact that it's one of, if not the oldest helmet rating organization known in the states. Years ago, yes, D.O.T. approved helmets were probably the best available. Technologies have significantly increased over the past several years.
Regardless that there are smaller, lighter, and stronger helmets available now, law makers still require the D.O.T. approved decal. Reason tells me the helmet does the protecting, not the sticker on the backside. There is nothing wrong with wearing a D.O.T. helmet. If I decide to wear a smaller or better made helmet, the decision should be mine. Law makers may have their own viewpoint as to what is a good helmet is, but that should not force our hand with the decisions we make on apparel.
If I decide to use one, I'd like an American made product. Every DOT helmet I have seen lately has a foreign origin label inside. I'm not certain why they're made outside U.S.A. and yet we impose DOT laws inside the U.S.A. Maybe a political trade arrangement with foreign countries? I'm not trashing foreign made merchandise. With an huge motorcycle market, it sounds as if our economic system could only gain if the so called "approved" helmets were built in the U.S..
Aside from what kind or type of helmet we may be obligated to buy, it's better to wear at least some type of protection on your head. Few could argue that. I find it odd that it is perfectly legal to text and drive in some states but illegal to ride without a helmet. So, in law enforcement's eyes, it's okay to endanger others while driving and playing on the phone but not ok to assume a risk that only effects our own safety. The decision to wear or not wear a helmet should be left up to the individual person.
How did the idea of D.O.T. as an authority on helmet safety transpire? Perhaps only because of the fact that it's one of, if not the oldest helmet rating organization known in the states. Years ago, yes, D.O.T. approved helmets were probably the best available. Technologies have significantly increased over the past several years.
Regardless that there are smaller, lighter, and stronger helmets available now, law makers still require the D.O.T. approved decal. Reason tells me the helmet does the protecting, not the sticker on the backside. There is nothing wrong with wearing a D.O.T. helmet. If I decide to wear a smaller or better made helmet, the decision should be mine. Law makers may have their own viewpoint as to what is a good helmet is, but that should not force our hand with the decisions we make on apparel.
If I decide to use one, I'd like an American made product. Every DOT helmet I have seen lately has a foreign origin label inside. I'm not certain why they're made outside U.S.A. and yet we impose DOT laws inside the U.S.A. Maybe a political trade arrangement with foreign countries? I'm not trashing foreign made merchandise. With an huge motorcycle market, it sounds as if our economic system could only gain if the so called "approved" helmets were built in the U.S..
Aside from what kind or type of helmet we may be obligated to buy, it's better to wear at least some type of protection on your head. Few could argue that. I find it odd that it is perfectly legal to text and drive in some states but illegal to ride without a helmet. So, in law enforcement's eyes, it's okay to endanger others while driving and playing on the phone but not ok to assume a risk that only effects our own safety. The decision to wear or not wear a helmet should be left up to the individual person.
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To learn more about the small, lighter, stronger, half shell helmets I mentioned, check out Skull Crush Helmets. They're incredibly strong and can actually hold up the weight of a truck.
