Motorcycle Helmet Safety

• May 22, 2025
• Motorcycles, Safety

Ready to hit the Kansas City roads on two wheels? Whether you are a new rider, a seasoned motorcyclist, or a “re-entry” rider, we want you to stay safe while enjoying time on your motorcycle.. One of the smartest choices you can make is to always wear a helmet, both you and your passenger.

A helmet is the best protection for your head while on the road.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), helmets are “37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators.”

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Choosing the Right Helmet

Not all helmets are created equal. To ensure maximum protection, select a DOT-compliant helmet, which meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

This video from the NHTSA is a great visual on the types of helmets, how to choose the right helmet for you, and lots of safety tips.

• Do not buy a used helmet; it can be difficult to tell if it has sustained any damage.
• According to the Snell Memorial Foundation, you may also want to replace your helmet if it is more than five years old, as helmets degrade over time
• Use the NHTSA choosing your helmet to help you find the right size and fit.

What to Consider When Selecting a Helmet:

• Safety Standards. Look for helmets that meet the latest safety standards and have a DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. Be sure to check safety ratings.
• Fit. Helmets should fit snugly without shifting when you shake your head.
• Helmet Type. Choose between full-face, modular, or open-face designs.
• Ventilation & Weight. A lightweight helmet with proper ventilation ensures comfort for long rides.
• Brand. Familiarize yourself with brand names and designs that comply with DOT requirements.

The Right Helmet is a DOT-compliant helmet

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, make sure it is DOT-compliant, that it meets the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. This is a minimum standard of protection.

You should find a permanent, legible DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet, which is how you know it meets the DOT standard required by law. ANSI or Snell labels are voluntary indicators of helmet quality.

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Beware of Unsafe Helmets

While all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States are required to meet the federal standard and have the DOT certification label, there are online and brick-and-mortar retailers who sell what are known as “novelty helmets” that do not meet our safety standards. There are also fake DOT labels being sold to put on these unsafe helmets.

Identifying Safe Motorcycle Helmets

• DOT-compliant helmets typically weigh about three pounds, include a thick polystyrene-foam lining, and have sturdy chinstraps.
• Helmets with full coverage designs are more likely to meet DOT certification.
• Look for official DOT, Snell, or ANSI labels on the outside of the helmet.
• Use the NHTSA Guide: How to Identify Unsafe Motorcycle Helmets (NHTSA)

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Key Benefits of Wearing a Helmet

1. Prevent head injuries. Wearing a helmet provides a protective barrier against head trauma, reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other life-altering consequences.
2. Protection from impact. Helmets are specifically designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact during an accident. The outer shell of a helmet and its inner lining work together to cushion the head, safeguarding it from severe blows.
3. Road Debris and Weather Protection. Helmets shield riders from potential hazards on the road, such as flying debris, bugs, and inclement weather.
4. Enhance visibility. Many helmets feature reflective elements, bright colors, or additional lights that improve a rider’s visibility to other motorists, particularly during low-light conditions.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Missouri does not have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Instead, the state mandates helmet use based on age. This is outlined in Missouri Revised Statute 302.026, which states that riders under the age of 26 must wear a helmet.

Best practice is to wear a helmet whether it is required by your state or not. It could save your life should you be in an accident.

• Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Law: Requirements and Compliance Guid

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Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help.

Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The Nash & Franciskato Law Firm provides free case evaluations and fights for your rights.

Contact us today at (877) 284-6600. Speak with an experienced team member for a free, no-obligation legal review of your case.

SCHEDULE A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR CASE TODAY

Resources

• Explore related blog articles: Automobile Accidents, Driver Safety, Personal Injury
• New Vehicle Technologies

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Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published May 3, 2019.. It was updated on May 19, 2025,  and re-published.