A motorcyclist pulled up next to me on the road the other day wearing a unique type of helmet. It was glossy and black with bright orange flames down the sides, but that wasn’t the only thing that held my attention – the mere shape of it was something I had never seen before. This motorcyclist was wearing a Shorty Helmet. A Shorty Helmet, which is sometimes also known as a Skull Cap or Half Helmet, is seemingly the smallest beanie-like helmet allowable on the road in accordance with a Department of Transportation rating. Not only is a Shorty Helmet safe for wear, but it is also stylish for your ride ahead.

Since safety is the main concern regarding motorcyclists on the road, many believed that Shorty Helmets would put the health of the rider at great risk – seeing as Shorty Helmets do not completely cover the cyclist’s entire head as traditional helmets do. In actuality, these slim and sleek helmets are put through a gauntlet of exertion impact tests. Simulated collisions and the measurability of a G-force impact to a person’s head in motion have concluded that Shorty Helmets do meet the minimum requirements for use on the road.

For motorcyclists, there is finally a point where style meets safety when it comes to head protection. Not only do Shorty Helmets come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, but they also offer something that traditional full helmets do not – increased ventilation. One of the biggest complaints from motorcyclists about traditional helmets is that they do not offer enough air ventilation and can sometimes feel stifling and claustrophobic. Shorty Helmets consist of only the skull cap and side face straps leaving the remainder of your head free to feel the breeze. Short Helmets can also be purchased with vents in the skull cap to maximize comfort.

As I watched the motorcyclist with the glossy black Shorty Helmet speed away from me into the distance, I was struck by the thought that head protection can be garnered by this smaller skull cap helmet. I was also glad that this rider had flames on his Shorty Helmet to further increase his visibility to other drivers. I wish him safe travels and I now feel safer when spotting more Shorty Helmets on the road.