Helmets: first line of defense

Combat Edge, August, 2006 by Joe Winfield

Motorcycles are becoming more and more abundant due to their relatively low cost, miserly fuel economy, and inexpensive insurance rates. They have high performance capabilities; however, they are less stable and visible than cars. This is the very reason why you should invest wisely in your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). What is PPE? Well, PPE is what we wear to protect ourselves from injury. For example, football players wear pads, helmets, and other protective accouterments to protect them while playing. Miners wear hard hats, eye protection, gloves, and heavy boots in performance of their duties. For motorcyclists, however, PPE can mean the difference between simple "road rash" and a lengthy hospital stay with long torturous hours of rehabilitation, or one step further ... death.

Of the various pieces of PPE that a motorcyclist needs, your helmet is the single, most important piece of equipment a rider can don. A helmet protects your head against injury from flying road debris, dust, and the occasional beetle. But the primary function of a helmet is to protect your nugget in the case of an impact. Here's a test: take your hand palm side down and smack the pavement as hard as you can. Sound crazy? Simply imagine the same force you used to hit the pavement with your hand, but substitute your head. Do I sound crazy, now? Research has shown that during a motorcycle accident, deceleration forces acting upon the head can reach upwards of 200-600 Gs in a matter of 2-4 milliseconds.

Do I have your attention now? Good! Now we'll delve into what a proper certified helmet should consist of, and how to choose one that fits properly. There are two different agencies that certify motorcycle helmets for use. One is the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the other is the Snell Memorial Foundation. Both groups test helmets for crash worthiness and other factors to see if the helmets meet specified criteria, but helmets are only required by AFI 91-207 and DODI 6055.4 to meet the "DOT" standard when riding on or off base.

A motorcycle helmet manufacturer's compliance with the DOT standards is strictly based on the "honor system." Helmet manufacturers design and build their helmets to meet the performance criteria contained in the DOT standard. The helmet manufacturers self certify the helmets as meeting the DOT performance criteria and are then allowed to display the DOT sticker on the back and inside of their helmets, and manufacture and sell the helmets as being "DOT Certified." Helmet manufacturers are not required to submit a sample helmet to the DOT for testing or independent verification prior to displaying the "DOT Approved" sticker, but by displaying the sticker they are agreeing to be subjected to spot inspection and testing by DOT. DOT will occasionally conduct spot checks of a random sampling of helmets manufactured and sold as meeting the DOT standard for compliance at commercial and private labs, but not on a set schedule or interval. If a helmet manufacturer's product is spot tested and fails to meet the DOT performance criteria, the manufacturer may be forced to recall and replace all of the helmets purchased by consumers, as well as additional fines and penalties.

This brings us around to Snell. No, it's not a French delicacy, it's an independent, non-profit organization known for its stringent motorcycle helmet testing standards and requirements. Snell testing and certification is voluntary, therefore, if a helmet manufacturer chooses to apply for a Snell rating, they are required to provide production samples of their helmets to Snell for evaluation. The helmets are then put through a punishing battery of tests including impact severity (how much deformation sustained during a measured impact), shell material construction, retaining system, foam density/thickness, and peripheral view, just to name a few. What Snell does not test for is comfort and style. What does all this testing to destruction mean? It means that Snell certification may be your best assurance the manufacturer has made a real commitment to your safety. You can identify a Snell-rated helmet by a rectangular sticker or cloth label emblazoned with the Snell logo and serial number. In the background of the label you'll either see "M95," "M2000," or on the newest version "M2005." Snell revaluates and updates their standards every 5 years. The decal is usually affixed to the foam under the comfort padding. Cloth type labels are generally sewn onto the chin strap and folded over. If you search your helmet and cannot find a Snell label, chances are that it's not a Snell-certified helmet.

Most manufacturers suggest riders replace their helmet every 5 years. This is not a clever marketing ploy to ensure fresh sales; glues, resins, and other materials used in helmet manufacturing break down over time. Hair oils, styling products, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products in some cleaners can deteriorate your helmet as well. Additionally, experience has shown there will generally be a noticeable improvement in helmet technology over a 5-year period due to advances in materials, designs, and production methods. Thus, the recommendation for 5-year helmet replacement is a sound judgment call stemming from a solid risk management mindset.