Mistakes in Adjusting Motorcycle Helmet Chinstrap Fit could be Fatal

A well-fitting motorcycle helmet that conforms to U.S. safety standards is vital in a crash. But many riders, especially novice bikers, have trouble adjusting their helmet fit properly because of the D-rings generally found on one side of the chin strap. And our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys caution that wearing a loose or insecure helmet that could come off in a crash isn’t any more help in the event of a wreck than wearing no helmet at all.

Harris County Biker with Loose Chin Straps dies from Head Injury in Fatal Wreck

Today in western Harris County, a 28-year-old rider died on Kingsland Boulevard when he crashed at high speed into the back of a minivan. He was thrown from his motorcycle in the impact and suffered a massive, fatal head injury. Harris County deputies said that the chinstraps on his motorcycle helmet appeared too loose. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys note that the improperly secured helmet may have contributed to the severity of his head injury. (Source: click2houston.com, 1/2/13)

How to Properly Secure a Motorcycle Helmet and Ensure the Right Fit for You

Making a mistake in fitting or adjusting your motorcycle helmet could be fatal. The Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC provide the following tips to help you make sure that your helmet has the correct fit:

• Measure your head size at its largest circumference. Fitting the measuring tape just above your eyebrows and around in back can generally do this. If your head measurement falls between the numbers indicated for the helmet size, go with the larger size. Most helmets are sold in the usual S, M, L, and XL sizes, so you might need to get actual measurement size equivalents from the manufacturer. And you should be aware that helmet sizes vary between manufacturers and helmet types.
• Try on the helmet. Hold it by the chinstraps with the bottom of it facing you and the front pointing to the ground. With your thumbs inside the straps, balance the helmet with your fingertips, spread the sides of it apart a little, and slip it over your head.
• The helmet should fit snugly. It might even feel slightly too tight until it’s in proper position. This is normal.
• If your helmet is loose, choose a smaller size. If it’s loose or too large, our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys point out that it will not only let in noise and wind, it will move around on your head and probably come off during a crash rather than protecting you from head injury.
• Check that the helmet’s cheek pads touch your cheeks, but don’t press down too uncomfortably.
• Make sure there are no gaps between your helmet’s brow pads and your temples.
• Ensure that the helmet’s neck roll, if it has one, does not push the helmet away from the back of your neck.
• If you chose a full-face helmet, press on the chin piece to make sure that the face shield doesn’t touch your nose or chin.
• If the helmet meets the above fit guidelines, then try to move it up and down and also side to side. If the helmet fits correctly, your skin should move around too as you move the helmet around with your hands. Then with the chinstrap securely fastened and your head straight, try rolling your helmet forward off of your head. If you can pull the helmet off, it’s the wrong size and doesn’t fit properly. Get a smaller size and start over.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Download our Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys’ FREE Guide on What to Do and What Mistakes to Avoid to Make a Winning Motorcycle Injury Claim

Click on the book icon on this web page to download your FREE guide. It will give you step-by-step instructions on how to protect your rights and interests after a motorcycle wreck. The book also informs you about the common mistakes you need to avoid.

If you have questions about your specific motorcycle crash, just give us a call to get a free, no obligation legal consultation to discuss your accident and eligibility for full financial compensation for your injuries. Manufacturers of defective helmets or bikes as well as other negligent drivers might be liable for the full cost of your losses and medical expenses from the crash. Our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys are available at 281-369-4363 or through our online contact form. Contact us today for your free consultation.