ALT-2 Why you should not Buy a used Motorcycle Helmet
When you first start to ride a motorcycle, one of the most important and vital accessories you need to get is the motorcycle helmet. This seemingly minor accessory could actually make a very subtle difference between life and death in the event of an accident. The motorcycle helmet is designed to shelter your head from taking the full impact of a knock against any surface, which could lead to permanent head injuries and even death, in the event that you fall off your motorcycle.
In spite of the benefits and usefulness of a motorcycle helmet, many motorcyclists still refuse to wear their helmets while riding their motorcycles. They come up with numerous reasons for their stubbornness such as "The motorcycle helmet is too heavy and putting too much pressure on my head", "The helmet is too tight and suffocating me" and "The helmet prevents me from feeling the wind blow on my face". Fortunately, the government in some countries recognizes the dangers of not wearing motorcycle helmets while riding, and thus make wearing helmets mandatory for all motorcyclists.
It is not really a "burning-a-hole-in-the-pocket" experience when purchasing a new motorcycle helmet, but it is certainly not too cheap either. People who run low on cash after purchasing their brand new motorcycle usually only invest in low-quality safety accessories such as the motorcycle helmet. Some even go tothe extent of buying a used motorcycle helmet. The practice of buying used motorcycle helmets is strongly discouraged and a few reasons are listed below.
"Why is it risky and unwise to buy a used motorcycle helmet?", you may ask. The main reason is very simple; you can neither say for sure whether the used helmet is relatively new or not, nor can you say for sure whether the helmet is damaged or not. A motorcycle helmet protects your head via a strip of expanded polystyrene enclosed in a durable outer shell. If the expanded polystyrene layer is already compressed, it will not absorb all the impact should you meet with an accident. Therefore, buying used helmets are discouraged because you can only know whether the polystyrene layer is compressed by cutting open the durable outer shell.
Secondly, polystyrene tends to become fragile and brittle with passing time. Similar to a compressed polystyrene layer, a fragile and brittle polystyrene will also be less effective in absorbing the impact should an accident occur. Thus, this again is a good reason why you should not buy a used motorcycle helmet, and also serves as a reminder to switch to a new motorcycle helmet after a few years. Besides, sunlight and corrosive chemicals can damage and shorten the life span of the polystyrene layer of a motorcycle helmet.
In addition, damage can be inflicted upon the lining of a motorcycle helmet should it be positioned often in the vicinity of the gas tank. Again, you cannot be entirely sure that the used motorcycle helmet is free from such experiences. The heat of the sun can also lead to the same complication, so it is a good idea to always park your motorcycle in shaded areas.
In conclusion, why sacrifice your priceless safety for a cheaper motorcycle helmet? Always remember that your safety is of utmost priority, not money. Besides, think also of your loved ones before making that decision to buy a used motorcycle helmet. Like the saying goes, "Money cannot buy happiness". Therefore, make sure you buy a new, good-quality motorcycle helmet!
Reference:1. http://www.whybike.com/motorcycle269.htm2. http://www.whatprice.co.uk/advice/travel/used-motorcycle-helmet.html
