What is the Right Type of Helmet?

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or even engaging in sports such as skateboarding, skiing, or snowboarding, wearing the right kind of helmet is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Helmets are your first line of defense against head injuries in case of an accident, and choosing the right one can make all the difference between life and death, or between walking away unscathed and suffering a traumatic brain injury.

While many people are aware of the importance of wearing a helmet, fewer understand how crucial it is to choose the right kind of helmet. Each type of helmet is designed to protect you from specific types of impacts, and using the wrong one may not offer you the level of protection you need. In this blog, we'll explore why helmets are so vital, the different types of helmets available, the features that make a helmet effective, and how to ensure you’re using the right kind of helmet for your activity.

Why Helmets Are Crucial for Safety

Helmets save lives—it's that simple. Helmets are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from impacts, reducing the force that reaches your skull and brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by approximately 69% and fatal injuries by 37% in motorcycle accidents. Similar reductions are found in cycling, with studies showing a 60% to 88% reduction in head injuries when a helmet is worn. 

Head injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can lead to long-term disability, cognitive impairment, or even death. Helmets play a key role in protecting the brain by creating a barrier between your skull and the external environment. Even in less severe accidents, helmets can prevent concussions, facial injuries, and skull fractures.

However, not all helmets offer the same level of protection. It’s essential to wear a helmet that is specifically designed for the activity you are engaging in, whether it's riding a motorcycle, cycling, or engaging in extreme sports.

Types of Helmets and Their Purposes

1. Motorcycle Helmets

Motorcycle helmets are one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment for riders. A motorcycle helmet is designed to handle high-impact collisions at high speeds, offering substantial protection against serious head injuries and death.

There are various types of motorcycle helmets, including:

• Full-face helmet: This provides the most comprehensive protection, covering the entire head and face. It’s designed to protect the chin, which is a common area of impact in motorcycle crashes. Full-face helmets are ideal for high-speed riding and long-distance travel.
• Modular helmet: These helmets are a hybrid between full-face and open-face helmets. They allow the chin bar to be flipped up, offering flexibility. However, they don’t offer as much protection as full-face helmets in high-impact crashes.
• Open-face helmet: These helmets cover the top and sides of your head but leave your face exposed. They provide good protection for low-speed riding but leave your face vulnerable in an accident.
• Half-helmet: Also known as “brain buckets,” these helmets cover only the top of the head, providing minimal protection. While they meet basic safety standards, they are not ideal for high-speed riding.

Individuals who engage in the operation of motorized two-wheel vehicles are required to wear head protection gear that meets specific safety standards. This gear not only serves to safeguard the rider but also provides an additional layer of protection in the event of an accident or collision.

Helmet Usage Regulations:

• Riders are legally required to wear protective headgear while operating motorized two-wheeled vehicles.
• The law mandates the usage of helmets to ensure the safety and protection of individuals while on the road.
• Failure to comply with the helmet usage regulations may result in penalties and legal consequences.

2. Bicycle Helmets

Bicycle helmets are lighter and less bulky than motorcycle helmets because they are designed for lower-impact accidents. However, they are still crucial for protecting cyclists from head injuries, particularly in urban areas where traffic accidents are common.

There are a few different styles of bicycle helmets:

• Road bike helmets: These are lightweight, well-ventilated helmets designed for speed. They often have an aerodynamic design and are used by road cyclists and racers.
• Mountain bike helmets: These helmets have a more rugged design and often include additional coverage around the back of the head. Mountain bike helmets may also feature visors to protect against debris and sun glare.
• Commuter helmets: Designed for everyday use in urban settings, commuter helmets often combine features of both road and mountain bike helmets. They prioritize comfort, style, and visibility, often incorporating lights or reflective materials.

Because of the high potential risk for head injury to cyclists, the province of Ontario passed a mandatory bike helmet law under section 104(2.1) of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 requires all cyclists to wear helmets when riding on the road. 

Section 3 of Safety Helmets, R.R.O. 1990, Reg 610 reads: 

 A helmet worn by a person operating or riding a bicycle on a highway shall,

(a) have a smooth outer surface, be constructed so that the helmet is capable of absorbing energy on impact and be strongly attached to a strap designed to be fastened under the chin of the wearer; and

(b) be undamaged from use or misuse. 

Read more on this here

3. Skateboarding and Snowboarding Helmets

Skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing helmets are designed to protect against falls at lower speeds but with high potential for head impact due to hard surfaces like pavement, ice, or snow. These helmets typically cover more of the back of the head, as falls in these sports often result in backward impacts.

The right helmet for these sports will provide some impact protection from a fall onto hard surfaces and may help prevent injuries like concussions and skull fractures, which may occur in these high-risk sports.

Features of an Effective Helmet

The effectiveness of a helmet is not just determined by its type, but also by its features. A high-quality helmet will include:

1. Impact-Absorbing Liner

Helmets are equipped with impact-absorbing liners, usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. This foam compresses upon impact, helping to distribute the force over a larger area and reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

2. Outer Shell

The outer shell of a helmet is designed to resist penetration by sharp objects and protect the head from direct blows. It also helps the helmet slide across surfaces rather than catching, which reduces rotational forces on the head and neck during an accident.

3. Comfortable Padding

In addition to the safety liner, helmets often feature comfort padding inside. This padding helps provide a snug fit and reduces the chances of the helmet moving around during use. The padding can also wick away moisture and provide ventilation to keep the rider cool.

4. Retention System (Chin Straps)

The retention system of a helmet is crucial for ensuring the helmet stays in place during an impact. A helmet should fit securely, with chin straps that can be adjusted for a snug fit. For motorcycle helmets, chin straps should be tightened to prevent the helmet from flying off in a crash.

5. Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential for maintaining comfort, particularly during long rides or physical exertion. Helmets should include multiple vents to allow airflow and keep the rider cool.

6. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)

MIPS technology is becoming increasingly popular in helmets. It involves a low-friction layer that allows the helmet to slide slightly upon impact, reducing the rotational forces that can cause brain injuries.

How to Ensure You Have the Right Helmet

1. Activity-Specific Design

The most important factor in choosing the right helmet is ensuring it is designed for the specific activity you’re engaging in. A bicycle helmet is not designed to handle the same impacts as a motorcycle helmet, and using one for the wrong activity can leave you vulnerable in an accident. Always choose a helmet that meets the safety standards for your activity.

2. Proper Fit

Even the best helmet won’t protect you properly if it doesn’t fit correctly. Your helmet should fit snugly but comfortably on your head, without excessive movement. To test the fit, fasten the chin strap and try to move the helmet in different directions. If it moves more than an inch, it’s too loose.

• The front of the helmet should sit just above your eyebrows, and you should be able to see the rim when you look up.
• The chin strap should be tight enough that no more than one or two fingers can fit between your chin and the strap.

3. Replace After a Crash

Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a single crash, after which they may no longer offer the same level of protection. Even if a helmet doesn’t show visible signs of damage after a fall or crash, it’s essential to replace it after a fall or crash. The inner foam can become compressed or cracked, reducing its ability to protect you in the future.

4. Check for Certification

Always check that the helmet you're purchasing meets recognized safety standards. Look for certification stickers or labels from organizations such as DOT, ECE, CPSC, ASTM, or CE, depending on the type of helmet and where you're located.

Accident Lawyers Toronto

Wearing a helmet is a simple but crucial step in protecting yourself from serious injury or death. However, it's not just about wearing any helmet—it's about wearing the right helmet for your activity. Whether you're riding a motorcycle, cycling through the city, or enjoying extreme sports, the right helmet can help keep you safe as you enjoy these fun activities. 

Boland Romaine has successfully advanced claims on behalf of cyclists in relation to product failure, as featured in Mark’s Story, and cyclists who have been struck by vehicles, such as the case of Pelletier v Ontario (2023 ONSC 6898).