For optimum safety, how should a helmet fit?

A helmet should fit snugly all the way around, which is essential for providing optimum safety. A proper fit ensures that the helmet will remain in place during an accident or impact, effectively protecting the head from injury. U.S. DOT standards ensure that the helmet meets safety requirements in terms of materials, design, and testing, providing an additional layer of assurance that it will perform as needed in a crash.

Wearing a helmet that fits loosely could allow it to shift or come off in the event of an accident, greatly reducing the protective benefits it offers. Options that suggest only partial coverage or style considerations do not prioritize safety, as a helmet must fully encase the head and not just sit atop it. Therefore, the key takeaway is that a helmet must fit tightly and evenly around the head while adhering to safety standards to provide maximum protection.