Which standard must motorcycle helmets meet to be considered safe?

To be considered safe, motorcycle helmets must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. These standards are based on rigorous testing and performance metrics that ensure the helmets offer a level of protection that significantly reduces the risk of serious head injury in the event of an accident. The DOT standards cover various criteria such as impact resistance, penetration resistance, and the retention system's effectiveness—factors crucial for ensuring a helmet can protect the rider effectively.

While other organizations, like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or international standards, may set their own criteria for helmet safety, compliance with DOT standards is mandatory in the United States for helmets to be legally used on public roads. State standards can vary, but they often reference DOT regulations as a baseline, reinforcing the importance of wearing a helmet that meets or exceeds these established safety criteria. Thus, selecting a helmet that meets DOT standards ensures that it has undergone the necessary evaluations to provide adequate protection for motorcyclists.