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.
When did the thought of D.O.T. as an authority on helmet safety occur? Most likely only because of the fact it's one the oldest helmet evaluation agencies known in the states. Years ago, yes, D.O.T. approved helmets were most likely the best to choose from. Helmet technology has widely 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 do decide to make use of a half shell, I would prefer an American made product. Every DOT helmet I've seen lately has an overseas origin tag on the inside. I'm unsure why they are made outside of the U.S.A. but we enforce DOT laws inside America. Possibly a political trade agreement with other countries? I am not slamming foreign made motorcycle parts, it's just that with the huge motorcycle market, our economy could only benefit 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. I find it odd that it is perfectly legal to text and drive in some states but illegal to ride without a helmet in some states. So, in law enforcement's eyes, it's okay to endanger others while driving and texting but not okay to assume a risk that only effects our own safety. The decision to wear a helmet should be left up to the individual biker.
When did the thought of D.O.T. as an authority on helmet safety occur? Most likely only because of the fact it's one the oldest helmet evaluation agencies known in the states. Years ago, yes, D.O.T. approved helmets were most likely the best to choose from. Helmet technology has widely 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 do decide to make use of a half shell, I would prefer an American made product. Every DOT helmet I've seen lately has an overseas origin tag on the inside. I'm unsure why they are made outside of the U.S.A. but we enforce DOT laws inside America. Possibly a political trade agreement with other countries? I am not slamming foreign made motorcycle parts, it's just that with the huge motorcycle market, our economy could only benefit 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. I find it odd that it is perfectly legal to text and drive in some states but illegal to ride without a helmet in some states. So, in law enforcement's eyes, it's okay to endanger others while driving and texting but not okay to assume a risk that only effects our own safety. The decision to wear a helmet should be left up to the individual biker.
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