If you have ever ridden a motorized vehicle in your lifetime, you know the importance of wearing a helmet. The same principles apply to wearing a helmet while riding your UTV on the open trails. Of course, the ultimate goal here is safety, but knowing the science and truth behind the rules can promote better understanding. We are sharing information for you on why wearing a helmet is so important and how you can make the best choice for you and your riders the next time you set out on an adventure.
Helmets are designed to protect your head and brain from injury. If you are in a serious accident and have a helmet on, the helmet's job is to take the brunt of the force for you. Helmets are designed to minimize the blow of a large force and disperse the energy. When your head gets hit really hard with a helmet on, the helmet enables your head to be protected by the force being proportionality dispersed and not just in a single area of impact. Helmet companies use a specific material termed “EPS”, or Expanded Polystyrene. This material is designed to absorb forceful energy when hit.
In Utah, all riders under the age of 18 must be wearing a helmet when riding a UTV. While not legally a rule, it is advised that all riders and drivers wear a helmet when in a moving UTV regardless of age.
When you are in the market for a helmet, there are a few things you can look for to ensure you have a quality headpiece. The first one would be looking for a helmet with at least two safety ratings. In Utah, all helmets have to have a single DOT safety rating to go to market. A single rating is not enough to ensure safety, as the requirements set by the DOT are minimal and not well regulated. Try finding a helmet with as many safety ratings as possible. If you are purchasing a helmet that is used, ensuring that it is in good condition will be next on your list. Helmets that are in disrepair will not hold up in the event of an accident. If you have a current helmet that has visible damage, safety protocol is to purchase a new one.
At TerraRider UTV Windshields And Accessories, we want you to be safe as you drive your UTV. We know that wearing a helmet is the best thing that you can do for your safety while driving. If you have any questions or if we can help you find the perfect UTV or accessories, come see us. We have an office located in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can also give us a call at (801) 923-6347. Contact us today!
