A motorcyclist’s most essential piece of riding gear is by far their helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of death and limit the likelihood of suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from motorcycle accidents.2 Studies have shown that helmets reduce the risk of death amid such accidents by about 40%.
Helmets are designed to withstand only one major impact, so it’s important for motorcyclists to replace theirs following a crash. What’s more, because wear and tear can cause shells to become brittle, helmets should be replaced every five to seven years, even if they haven’t been damaged in an accident. Some manufacturers even recommend replacement every three years, so motorcyclists should review their owners’ manuals for specific helmet lifespan guidelines.
