Getting my head around it

I’ve covered the subject of PSB-approved helmets for Singapore in a previous post. You can read that one here. 

But the gist of it is: you have to wear a helmet with the PSB sticker or you’ll be fined some $$$’s and receive demerit points.

At face value, that all seems perfectly reasonable. But when you consider that the PSB-approved helmets don’t actually provide the best protection for your head, the issue gets a little trickier.

Exhibition 1

I’d rather wear…

Exhibition 2.

This has been playing on my mind for a while. Should I just follow the rules and wear a PSB helmet, or take my chances wearing a helmet that may get me fined?

After trawling the local blogs and forums for a few weeks, I stumbled upon a post that helped me see things clearly. One fella quoted his Riding Instructor, who said something like: 

“If you think your head is worth $55, buy a cheap PSB-approved helmet. But if you think it’s worth more, spend the money and buy the safest helmet you can. Don't worry about the Traffic Police, worry about your head.”

In an instant I realized that I had been lying to myself. The truth was that I was primarily concerned with the aesthetics of my helmet. I wanted to wear a cool Vespa helmet to match my steed. I wasn’t really raging against the safety- factor of PSB helmets, but more the fugly-factor. 

That was a little embarrassing. I don’t consider myself to be so shallow. But there it was.

Since then I resolved to find the right helmet based on these criteria:

Safety (within my budget)

Comfort (for the tropics)

Styling (for my wounded ego)

After a few weeks of looking around, I settle on a Caberg Konda.

Strong enough to protect my head. 

Cool enough to wear in Singapore. 

And cool enough to wear on a Vespa.

I just hope the Traffic Police agree.