Okay, I'm off my soapbox now, and we can get down to business.
When choosing a helmet there are a number of things to consider; in this guide we'll cover the basics to get you going.
First, seek a helmet that is intended for being "off-road" ( often times labeled as "motocross") - an ordinary motorcycle helmet will provide safety, but it won't give some of the truly great features of a helmet made specifically for an ATV.
Second, ensure the helmet is comfortable - I know the first thing you consider with safety helmets is safety; but comfort is right up there. Check these things when comparing comfort levels: make sure there is enough padding, check for a good seal around the ear (not touching the ear), ensure there's a neck roll that cradles the back of the neck, and ensure there are no straps or fasteners protruding inside the helmet.
Next, and this is a big one, ensure that the helmet is DOT or Snell certified. Simple, if the helmet isn't certified - don't bother.
Also, you may be in the store and you have two safety helmets, and you simply can't pick... Go with the one with the most EPS. EPS is the hard form-type liner inside the helmet that actually absorbs the crash impact. Manufacturers can just put at the minimum, but some go above and beyond, so keep that in mind.
Finally, if you have a face shield (and why wouldn't you?) make a point it meets the VESC-8 or ANSI Z-87 standards, plus ensure the face shield doesn't distort your view or flop around after you've opened it.
On final note: the materials that safety helmets are made out of deteriorate, so if you have an old helmet (or one who has been on an accident because they are single use items) - get a fresh one.
For more information on ATV Helmets check out: http://helmets.atv-aftermarket.info/
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