Wearing a helmet for motorcycle riders in Washington isn't a choice, it's the law. But not just any helmet, one that has been certified by the manufacturer as meeting the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) standards outlined in 49 CFR 571.218. A helmet meeting these standards set by DOT has a sticker on the back, and inside labeling indicating the manufacturer name, helmet model, size and other manufacturing information. In addition, a certified helmet has an inner lining usually about 1 inch thick of foam, and doesn't flex as easy as the novelty helmets made of plastic. Legal helmets are designed to save lives while others are sold as novelty items only and never intended to be used on the road. In a collision, these "novelty" helmets provide almost no protection for the rider. Unfortunately, some people are confused about what helmets are legal and safe to wear. The Bogus Helmets Brochure will give you some insight into buying a motorcycle helmet that is legal to use and will afford you the greatest protection.

If you would like some additional information, please see the related links and resources provided below. Please note that some of the documents provided on this page are available in Adobe® PDF format only and will require the Adobe® Reader in order to view or print them from your Web browser.Unfortunately, bicycling is not risk-free. In fact, from 2008 to 2012, each year an average of 3 bicyclists died in King County each year and 45 were severely injured in collisions with motor vehicles. Washington Traffic Safety Commission, July 2013 To stay safe, follow Washington's bicycling laws and always wear a helmet! Visit the Washington state Department of Transportation's Bicycle Laws page to learn more about bicyclist responsibilities and state laws. For safety tips, check out the King County Department of Transportation's bicycle safety page. In July 2003, the King County Board of Health extended the King County bike helmet regulation (PDF) to include Seattle.

The new rule went into effect in August 2003 and requires that all bicyclists (regardless of age) must wear a helmet. Bicyclists throughout the county can be cited for not wearing helmets. Avoid fines, fees, and injuries by wearing a bike helmet! How to fit a helmet A review of several published studies estimated that bike helmets provide a 63-88% reduction in the risk of head, brain, and severe brain injury for all ages of bicyclists.simpson bandit helmet for motorcycleCochrane Review 1999, updated 2009.motorcycle dealers la marque tx In order for the bike helmet to protect you, it needs to fit properly.suzuki motorcycle parts cornwall

Make sure your helmet is the right size. Try on several helmets before buying one. The helmet should fit comfortably. If needed, use extra pads for a snug and secure fit. Make sure the straps fit around your ear and under your chin snugly. The straps should form a "V" under your ears. Leave enough room for one finger to fit between your chin and the strap.signal fly motorcycle helmet led brake light The helmet should rest flat on your head, not too far forwards or backwards. motorcycle shops in grovetown gaThe helmet should rest low on the forehead, no more than two finger widths above the eyebrows.motorbike shop beograd Look for the CPSC or SNELL certification sticker inside the helmet.motorcycle helmets ventura

Get a new helmet when you grow out of it or within 5 years, whichever comes first. Replace your helmet after a crash or if it is cracked. Bike Helmets: Quick-Fit Check (PDF): Check out this easy, three-point check guide from Seattle Children's to make sure your helmet has a proper fit. Download a list of low-cost bike helmets providers (PDF) Find out where you can find free or low-cost bike helmets in King County! Cyclists of Greater Seattle Seattle Children's Hospital Bike Safety Washington state Department of Transportation Updated: Feb 9, 2015 - 12:26 PM The Senate Transportation Committee is set to discuss Senate Bill 5198 Monday afternoon. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Motorcycle riders over 18 in Washington would no longer be forced to wear helmets if a state Senate bill becomes law. Washington is one of 19 states that requires all riders to wear a helmet. The Senate Transportation Committee is set to discuss Senate Bill 5198 Monday afternoon. 

Mark Medalen with the Traffic Safety Commission is set to testify against it. “Helmets reduce fatalities, they reduce injuries and reduce medical costs for all of us,” said Medalen.  “We had a universal helmet law in the state, and in 1977 that universal helmet law was repealed.  It went away, and almost immediately, we saw fatalities from motorcycle crashes double.” A partial helmet law was then passed in 1992, and a couple years later, a universal law was passed. Bardsley Donovan, a mechanic at Seattle Used Bikes, learned the hard way how important his motorcycle helmet can be.  He was hit by a car in a Chicago intersection. “We collided and bumped my head really hard, and without a helmet, I'd either have a plate or be dead,” said Donovan. That being said, he supports the bill and says riders should have the right to choose whether they wear a helmet. “I think it gets down to natural selection,” said Donavan.  “If you don't want to wear a helmet and you bust your head open, so be it.