Deadly head injuries can occur while riding a motorcycle or bicycle, making protection via a helmet measures that could save your life. Not all helmets are created equal, however. For this reason, testing organizations outline safety standards to ensure a helmet can protect against high-impact crashes. Before purchasing a helmet, ensure it meets these safety standards and you understand how to properly wear the helmet.
History
The Consumer Product Safety Commission released new standards for bicycle helmet manufacture in February 1999. Helmets produced after March 1999 are required to meet these standards and should be labeled with the CPSC seal. Helmet manufacturers before this time were required only to voluntarily meet standards. If you are purchasing a bicycle helmet today, check your helmet to ensure the seal is present. However, be aware the CPSC only tests helmets that are specifically labeled as bicycle helmets. Helmets created for baseball, skateboarding or roller hockey are not required to meet the same standards.
Bicycle Helmet
The CPSC stipulates bicycle helmets must have a chinstrap underneath the chin to prevent the helmet from flying off. The helmet must feature a specified level of padding thickness that varies based on the helmet's size. Helmets also must be able to pass testing for peripheral vision. The helmet should not feature projections that impede vision and should not mute sound from traffic. The CPSC even tests the helmets to ensure cleaners like ammonia and bleach will not damage the helmet. Because helmets must be properly worn to provide maximum protection, the CPSC requires each helmet be accompanied with instructions for proper wear.
Motorcycle Helmets
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates safety standards for motorcycle helmets. The nonprofit organization the Snell Memorial Foundation also performs independent testing, awarding a helmet sticker to helmet manufacturers that meet safety standards. Motorcycle helmets must feature four layers: a tough outer shell to absorb impact, a polystyrene foam layer, a comfort padding layer to help the helmet fit tightly and a chin strap. Motorcycle helmets come in fall helmets that completely cover the face, a three-quarter open-face helmet that features a face shield or a half-shell helmet that protest only the top portion of the head -- the Motorcycle Safety Foundation does not recommend soft-shell helmets due to their limited head coverage. Depending upon the state in which you live, your helmet also may be required to feature reflective material.
Warning
If you experience a crash on your motorcycle or bicycle, do not reuse the helmet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although the protective foam may not appear compromised, it is possible that the foam could be weakened in some areas. For this reason, you also should use caution when purchasing used helmets, even if the helmet features a safety sticker.
References
- "Motorcyclist": Motorcycle Helmet Performance
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Safety Standards for Bike Helmets
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation: What You Should Know About Motorcycle Helmets
- American Academy of Pediatrics: About Bicycle Helmets
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; "Requirements for Bicycle Helmets;" August 2002
