To be effective, helmets: Question To be effective, helmets: Answers Should be worn only on long rides. Should be worn on every ride. Should fit loosely. Can have a couple of cracks. Explanation The single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash is to wear a properly secured, good-quality helmet every time you ride. Helmets should fit snugly all the way around and have no cracks or other defects.