This information is "QUOTED" from the NC DOT Motorcycle Hand Book.

This document does not bear a date but it is signed by:

Carol Howard, Commissioner, D.O.T.

1100 New Bern Ave

Raleigh, NC 27697

1-919-861-3015

Section "Preparing to Ride"

     What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining whether or not you'll get where you want to go safely.  Before taking off on a trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

• wear the right gear.
• check the motorcycle equipment.
• become familiar with the motorcycle.

WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR

     When you ride, your gear is "right" if it protects you.  In any collision, you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear:

• an approved helmet.
• face or eye protection.
• protective clothing.

Page 1

Section "Helmet Use"

     Collisions are not rare events --- particularly among beginning riders.  And one out of every five motorcycle collisions result is head or neck injuries.  Head injuries are just as severe as neck injuries --- and far more common.  Accident analysts show that head and neck injuries account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.  Research also shows that, with few exceptions, head and neck injuries are reduced by the proper wearing of an approved helmet.

     Some riders don't wear helmets because they think helmets will limit their view to the sides.  Others wear helmets only on long trips or when riding at high speeds.  North Carolina Law requires a helmet to be worn at all times when operating a motorcycle.  Here are some facts to consider:

• An approved helmet lets you see as far to the sides as necessary.  A study of more than 900 motorcycle collisions, where 40% of the riders wore helmets, did not find even one case in which a helmet kept a rider from spotting danger.
• Most collisions occur on short trips (less than 5 miles long), just a few minutes after starting out.
• Most riders are riding slower than 30 mph when a collision occurs.  At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and severity of head injuries by half.

     No matter what the speed, helmeted riders are three times more likely to survive head injuries than those not wearing helmets at the time of the collision.

Page 2

Section "Helmet Selection"

  There are two primary types of helmets, providing two different levels of coverage: three-quarter and full face.

     Whichever style you choose, you can get the most protection by making sure the helmet:

• meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards.  Helmets with labels from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation give you an added assurance of quality.
• fits snugly, all the way around.
• has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

     Whatever helmet you decide on, keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride.  Otherwise, if you are involved in a collision, it's likely to fly off your head before it gets a chance to protect you.