Helmets are one of the most important pieces of safety gear for motorcyclists. In an accident, protecting your head can mean the difference between life and death. But it’s important to find a helmet that fits properly and is made with quality material.

No matter the style of helmet, there are a few things to be on the lookout for to increase the odds that the helmet is well made:

A sticker on the outside of the helmet with the letters DOT may certify that your helmet meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218)
A SNELL or ANSI label may also indicate that a helmet reaches the federal safety standards according to FMVSS 218.
The Manufacturer’s labeling should appear on the outside or inside of the helmet. If it is FMVSS 218 certified, it’ll include the manufacturer’s name, model, size, month, materials and year of manufacturing, plus other owner’s information.

Full helmet

Full-face helmets offer the most protection, according to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, because it covers the entire rider’s head and face. Its chin bar keeps the helmet sturdy and the face visor offers increased protection from debris and the elements.

One drawback, however, is the lack of ventilation, says the Motorbike Writer, especially in hot weather. Full-faced helmets can also make it difficult to hear traffic sounds, like horns and sirens.

¾ helmet

The ¾ open-face helmet is like a full-face but doesn’t protect the chin or face, according to the MSF. But you can purchase a snap-on face shield for added protection. Goggles are also another option to fend against road debris but only cover the eyes.

½ helmet

Unlike full-face and ¾ helmets, ½ helmets only cover the crown of the head, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Although they offer more ventilation, they are among the least protective of helmets. You can, however, find ½ helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation, says the Motorcycle Legal Foundation.