What does an approved helmet allow the wearer to do?

An approved helmet is designed to provide essential protection while maintaining a rider's peripheral vision. This allows the wearer to see as far to the sides as necessary for safe riding. Improving visibility to the sides is crucial because it enables the rider to be aware of their surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles that may not be directly in front of them.

In contrast, options involving blocking out distractions or limiting visibility are not characteristics of a helmet. While a well-designed helmet can reduce noise and distractions to a certain extent, it is not intended to block out all distractions completely. Furthermore, helmets do not limit vision to only straight ahead; instead, they are designed to facilitate a wide range of vision to enhance safety on the road. Lastly, while some helmets may have features that improve visibility in low light, the primary function of an approved helmet is to protect the head while allowing adequate vision for safe riding.