Preparing To Ride Chapter 2 Personal safety and comfort are enhanced when you wear protective clothing. Operating without protective clothing increases your chances of severe injury in the event of an accident. Always wear an approved motorcycle helmet that fits properly. ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE for ATV riding. They do not have adequate ener- gy absorption qualities for use while operating a motorised vehicle. As with any helmet, a child’s helmet must fit properly to be effective. Do not use an adult-sized helmet that is too large for a youngster. Helmets are available in Children’s sizes. Check with your ATV dealer.
Although complete protection is not possible, knowing what to wear and how to wear it can make you more comfortable when you ride and reduce the chance of injury in case of a spill. Replacing Your Helmet Plan to replace your helmet if it has been involved in an accident. Some helmet manufacturers will inspect and, when possible, repair a damaged helmet. If your helmet has been dropped, there may be damage that you don’t see; you may want to take advantage of this service. Dressing Like the Pros Helmets The single most important piece of protective gear you can wear is a helmet. A good helmet can help prevent serious head injuries.
Studies have shown that wearing a helmet does not reduce essential vision or hearing. Operating without an approved motorcycle helmet will increase the chance of severe head injury to yourself in the event of an accident. Most helmet manufacturers recommend that, under normal use, you should replace your helmet every two to four years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it immediately. As mentioned above, helmets may crack or break if dropped. What to look for in a Helmet Why replace a helmet every few years if it does not appear damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate over time. The interior padding compresses, offering less protection.
The chinstrap may fray or loosen at its attaching points and the shell may be chipped or banged. Probably the best reason, however, is the consistent improvement of design and protective qualities of helmets. Standards and Testing Helmets protect your head in two ways: the outer shell resists pene- tration and abrasion, and the inner liner absorbs shock by slowly col- lapsing under impact. Both the shell and the liner essentially self-destruct by spreading the forces of an impact throughout the helmet material. That is why, in most cases, if a helmet has been damaged in an accident it may be of little protective value in another mishap.
Since 1980, all helmet manufacturers have been required to stamp the month and date of production of the helmet. If you cannot remember when you bought your present helmet, just check the production date. If there is no date at all, you should definitely replace your helmet now. When you purchase a helmet, look for stickers inside or on the outside of the helmet, confirming compliance with the standards: Australian Standards - AS1698. Helmet care Follow the manufacturer’s directions in caring for your helmet. Use only the mildest soap recommended. Each organisation has established procedures to evaluate helmets for: Impact - the shock absorbing capacity of the helmet.
Penetration - The ability of the helmet to withstand a blow from a sharp object. Retention - the ability of the chinstrap to stay fastened without break- ing or stretching. Peripheral Vision - the helmet must provide a minimum side vision of 120 degrees each side. (Most people’s peripheral vision is between 110 and 115 degrees. The Right Helmet for You While colour, design and price may influence your decision about which helmet to buy, protection should be your first consideration. Avoid any petroleum-based cleaning fluids, especially if you own an injection-molded plastic helmet.
Exposure to strong cleaning agents can cause the plastic helmet and its liners to decompose and lose protective value. In Short There are many considerations when deciding which helmet to buy. Talk with you local motorcycle and ATV dealer, and consult ATV enthusi- ast magazines for information to help in you decision. The full-faced helmet provides the most protection since it covers more of your face. Recent design improvements in shell material and interior ventilation have improved comfort. The next choice in protection is the three-quarter helmet.
It does not offer the face and chin protection that full-faced helmets do, so if you choose this style, it should be used with mouth/chin protection. Helmet & Goggles Chest & shoulder protector For a helmet to offer the most protection possible it must fit properly. Your helmet should fit snugly but comfortably and be securely fastened. Always fasten you helmet’s chinstrap snugly. A helmet will do you no good if it comes off during a mishap. Gloves Off road pants Knee guards Full Face Helmet Open Face Helmet The Right Helmet for Youngsters A helmet is also the most important piece of protective gear for chil- dren. Athletic headgear such as hockey, football or skateboard helmets Boots 4