How do motorcycle helmets work?

It’s the law to wear a helmet, but why are they so important?

There are lots of vital pieces of clothing that a motorcycle rider needs to keep safe on the road: a thick jacket, leather trousers and strong gloves and shoes. But the most important piece of protective gear is the helmet, designed to help prevent fatal head injuries. When a rider is involved in a collision, their helmet hits the ground with full force, but it cushions the blow and protects the head and brain from the impact. For a helmet to work it is important that you wear the right size so it stays snug on your head and doesn’t fall off in the event of an accident, and always securely fasten the chin strap.

For more information about science and technology, visit our website now. If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also download the latest digital version onto your iOS or Android device. To make sure you never miss an issue of How It Works magazine, subscribe today!