California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

Unsafe Helmet InteriorSafe Helmet InteriorWhichever style you choose,you get the most protection bymaking sure the helmet:• Meets U.S. Department ofTransportation (DOT) and statestandards. Helmets with a labelfrom the Snell MemorialFoundation give you an addedassurance of quality.• Fits snugly, all the way around.• Has no obvious defects suchas cracks, loose padding orfrayed straps.Keep your helmet securelyfastened on your head when youride. Otherwise, if you areinvolved in a crash, it’s likely tofly off your head before it gets achance to protect you.Eye and Face ProtectionA plastic shatter-resistant faceshield can help protect yourwhole face in a crash. It alsoprotects you from wind, dust,dirt, rain, insects, and pebblesthrown up from the vehiclesahead. If you don’t have to dealwith these types of problems, youcan devote your full attention tothe road.Goggles protect your eyes, butthey don’t protect the rest of yourface like a face shield does. Awindshield is not a substitute fora face shield or goggles. Mostwindshields will not protect youreyes from the wind. Neither willeyeglasses or sunglasses.Glasses won’t keep your eyesfrom watering, and they mightblow off when you turn yourhead.To be effective, eye or face shieldprotection must:• Be free of scratches.• Be resistant to penetration.• Give a clear view to either side.• Fasten securely, so it does notblow off.• Permit air to pass through, toreduce fogging.• Permit enough room foreyeglasses or sunglasses, ifneeded.Tinted eye protection should notbe worn at night or any other timewhen little light is available.ClothingThe right clothing protects youin a collision. It also providescomfort, as well as protectionfrom heat, cold, debris, and thehot and moving parts of themotorcycle.• Jacket and pants should coverarms and legs completely. They7