1. Autos

Helmet Basics For ATV Riders

Important Safety Warnings

From , former About.com Guide

Before you place your helmet near a paint can, next to your quad's exhaust, or over your handlebars, check out these little-known facts regarding ATV riding helmets and safety:

  • Never store your helmet near gasoline, cleaning fluids, or paint. The fumes can react with the helmet's materials and cause the helmet to decompose.

  • Never place your helmet near a quad's exhaust pipes or hot engine parts. The heat can melt or deform the shock absorbing liner, usually a form of Styrofoam, rendering it useless in an impact.

  • Never hang your helmet on your handlebars. You might not be able to see it when mounting your quad and the shock absorbing liner may compress if it carries the weight of the helmet.

    Source: New Hampshire ATV Club

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.