8 Reasons To Wear A Helmet While Riding

Posted on: Jun 12, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

8 Reasons To Wear A Helmet While Riding

You may have heard people saying, “Helmet heats up, and they mess up my hair”. A helmet may not be an aesthetic add-on for your bike rides, but it's the most important gear when riding two-wheelers. Data suggests that around 87% of accidental deaths with two-wheelers occur because of not wearing a helmet. The number speaks a lot about why a helmet is so necessary.

If you have purchased a two-wheeler or started riding one, it is important to understand why a helmet is quintessential. When it comes to safety, two-wheeler insurance is not enough. You must wear a helmet too. Read on as we explain the top 8 reasons to never say no to a helmet.

8 Reasons You Should Never Say No To A Helmet

Helmets are not just a legal requirement but much more than that. It provides you with mental security and physical safety as well. Some of the top reasons why a helmet is a must for you are:

1. Protection for Your Head

The first and foremost purpose of a helmet is to protect your head, as it is the most vulnerable part during an accident. Injuries to the head can be life-threatening at times. So, it is important to keep it protected. Helmets absorb the impact during accidents and keep your skull and head safe.

In some cases, when people fall, they may sustain minor injuries on the hands and feet, but the head remains well protected because of a helmet. So, along with scooter insurance, make sure to also invest in a good helmet.

Note: Studies suggest that wearing a helmet reduces your chances of serious injuries by 63-88%!

2. Protection for Your Jaw and Face

A standard helmet usually covers your head, jaw, and face. So, during a two-wheeler accident that causes slips and falls, a helmet keeps your jaw and face protected. The jaw cover absorbs the impact and shock to keep them safe. So, make sure you prioritise wearing a helmet every time you ride a two-wheeler.

3. Better Visibility

Have you ever noticed how wind can hinder your visibility? Maybe on a windy day, when you step out, debris and wind almost disturb your entire visibility. Now imagine this situation while driving a two-wheeler without a helmet! That's scary. Losing visibility while driving can be the worst-case scenario.

The helmet offers you a shield in front of your eyes that enhances visibility and keeps off the debris and high-speed wind. Not only this but sometimes there can be flies and leaves that may hit your eyes and leave them injured. So, helmets can be a one-stop solution for these problems.

4. Reduced Fatigue

Too much exposure to pollution and debris can leave you fatigued after a ride. Without a helmet, you have to strain your eyes a lot, and your hair also catches dust and debris. All these, in turn, cause fatigue and harassment by the time you are home. However, with a helmet, you can reduce these problems.

5. Protection Against Harsh Weather

Imagine riding your two-wheeler on a hot summer day or during extreme cold. Without a helmet, your head may become a heated oven during summer and frozen cold during winter. So, the solution is crystal clear. The helmet also provides you with sufficient protection against harsh climatic conditions. Whether it's sunny, rainy, windy, or cold outside, a helmet can be your ultimate shield on a two-wheeler.

6. Enhances Insurance Coverage

In comprehensive bike insurance, you usually get personal accident coverage as well. In case you ever need personal accident cover, your insurer may want to know what safety measures you took while riding the bike. Missing out on a helmet may not be a good sign. So, to stay insurance compliant and avoid unnecessary claim issues, it is important to wear a helmet every time you ride your two-wheeler. Even for claims in third party bike insurance, it is beneficial to stay compliant from your end.

7. Legal Obligations

In India, it is mandatory for bike riders (both the driver and the pillion rider) to wear a standard helmet. Failing to wear a helmet often attracts fines and penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. So, to avoid unnecessary fines and legal actions, you must not drive a two-wheeler without a helmet.

Note: The fine for not wearing a helmet is ₹1000 for both the primary driver and the pillion rider.

8. You Inspire Others

Wearing a helmet while driving a two-wheeler makes you a responsible citizen. Not only do you protect yourself from unnecessary injuries, but you also inspire others. Seeing you take essential safety measures, others on the road may also get motivated and do the same. Abiding by the law is the basic duty of a citizen. So, make sure to follow the rules as set by the government. Along with scooter insurance, make sure also to purchase high-quality helmets.

Conclusion

A helmet is a must, whether you are going out on a small ride or a long drive. Accidents and mishaps are unforeseen, and so, one must stay prepared in every situation. Not only does it keep you legally compliant, but it also ensures personal safety.

While accidents may not always be avoided, you can be prepared to reduce their impact. Your helmet helps you reduce head and face injuries. Apart from these, helmets may also be important when making claims in bike insurance. At HDFC ERGO, we encourage people to stay compliant for safe and happy rides!

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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