Recently the government made it mandatory for all motorcycle riders to wear helmet in India. It is mandatory to wear helmets in many countries to protect people from head injury. Now people are looking for helmet so that they won't get fined by the traffic police. In the market there are good as well as cheap helmets are available.
The basic purpose of a helmet is to protect the rider's head from injury during an accident. Motorcyclists are at high risk in road accidents. Some other benefit of using a helmet is keep the head from sun rays and the eyes are protected from dust or other bugs and wind which may cause discomfort to eyes while riding. Additional conveniences like face shields, ventilation, ear protection etc are some other features of a good helmet.
Helmets not only reduce head injuries but also protect against facial injury. Neurosurgeon Dr. Hugh Cairns who attended a road accident victim with head injury started his research to avoid unnecessary loss of life by motorcycle riders led to the use of crash helmets by civilian and military motorcyclists. All types of helmets are secured by a chin strap. Without the chin strap the protective benefits are greatly reduced, if not eliminated. Chin strap securely fasted will maintain a snug fit.
Full face Helmet
Full face helmet covers the entire head and a protective section over the front of the chin. The rear covers the base of the skull. It has an open cutout in a band across the eyes and nose with a transparent or tinted plastic face shield known as a visor. It swivels up and down to allow access to the face. Some models of full face helmets include vents to increase the air flow to the rider. This model is very protective as compared to other models. Very few dislike this type of helmets due to its reduced hearing, lack of wind, increased heat and the sense of isolation. Chin cover of this type of helmet increase the protection.
Open face Helmet
Open face helmet covers the cheeks, ears and the back of the head. It does not have the lower chin bar of the full face helmet. An open face helmet provides the same rear protection just like the full face helmet. Dust, bugs and wind to the face and eyes can cause discomfort or injury to the rider. People use sun glass or goggles to supplement eye protection with these helmets. Some of the models of open face helmet comes with a built in face shield which reduce the dust or bugs enter the eyes.
Modular (flip-up) helmet, closed and open
