HELMETS EVERY PIECE COUNTS

OVERVIEW Helmet Facts DOT Certification (Department of Transportation) SNELL Certification Identifying Labels Imposter Recognition Summary

HELMET FACTS It is understood that not all motorcycle accidents can be fatality-free based on helmet use only. Statistics prove, however, that a large portion of those fatalities could have been prevented. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration has released that a non-helmeted rider compared to a helmeted rider: 40% more likely to incur a fatal head injury 50% more likely to incur a nonfatal injury when involved in a crash Per mile, a motorcyclist is 20 times more likely to die in a crash than an automobile occupant From 1984-1990, helmets saved the lives of 4,740 motorcyclists Had all riders from 1984-1990 worn helmets, approximately 4,700 more would have lived Also:

DOT CERTIFICATION DOT (Department of Transportation) Certification is a vital part of personal protective equipment when it comes to your helmet. The certification process involves velocity impact testing and energy dispersal. The most important function that your helmet provides is the interior’s ability to “spread” the impacted energy so that it is absorbed at a lesser extent. DOT certification is mandatory for riders in the state of Texas and for all members of the AF, or while on an AF instillation

SNELL CERTIFICATION SNELL is a non-profit private organization with similar standards to DOT. Inspections include higher impact tests and are geared toward motorcyclists due to high speeds. Remember, football helmets can pass DOT tests. A SNELL approval is highly recommended. There are many other forms of safety and spec certification but DOT and SNELL are the two most common and reputable.

IDENTIFYING LABELS The first and most obvious thing to look for is the manufacturer’s label to confirm the authenticity of your helmet. The label or marking should display the manufacturer’s name, model size, month and year of manufacture, construction materials and owner information (ex. “Made in Canada”). Illegal helmets will typically only have an outside label. This is not always the case, though, which is why it’s necessary to become familiar with the characteristics of a legal helmet (discussed later).

IDENTIFYING LABELS DOT does not approve helmets; they set the standard for compliance. Helmet manufacturers are required to certify that they meet that standard. Each manufacturer has a different way of labeling so look carefully to find a DOT approval. Most DOT labels are imprinted on the helmet. Because the manufacturer applies the DOT symbol, be suspicious if the dealer gives you a DOT sticker to put on your helmet. This may sound obvious, but some do it to make money off of an illegal helmet. Remember, non-DOT approved helmet are always cheaper to manufacture.

IDENTIFYING LABELS A helmet with a fake DOT approval and an additional fake sticker, such as SNELL, is a rare find. Most likely if you have more than one label, your helmet is probably legal and authentically tested. Sample SNELL sticker usually found inside the helmet

IMPOSTER RECOGNITION LINERS AND POLY-STYRENE FOAM There is a huge difference between Poly-styrene foam and comfort liners! Foam is designed to take the impact and disperse the energy to decrease your probability injury. It is typically very firm and around ONE INCH THICK (very important!!). Comfort liners are thin, flimsy and designed only to provide a soft buffer between your head and the foam. The inner foam won’t always be visible; sometimes it’s incased in a shell and the liner has to be pushed aside to see it. LEGAL AND PROPER INTERIOR ILLEGAL AND IMPROPER INTERIOR TIP: Your helmet’s foam will collapse in a concave manner when struck. If you drop your helmet, it is in your best interest to buy a new one. The area that hit the ground is most likely malformed and will not protect you incase of an accident.

RETENTION SYSTEM / CHIN STRAP When examining your helmet, look for the following: Chin straps should be thick and riveted Rivets should never protrude into the interior of the helmet shell The DOT standard does not allow anything to extend further than 2/10” off the helmets surface.. So visor fasteners are allowed… whereas a spike or something similar is not TIP: A pull-strap fastener (where the strap is threaded through) like in the picture is highly recommended.. buckle fasteners have been reported to come undone at impact Shallow fasteners Thick chinstrap

DESIGN & WEIGHT Depending on the design, unsafe helmets weigh only about one pound or less- helmets that meet DOT standards weigh about three pounds. TIP: Want to easily verify the weight? Use a fish scale… Worked for a cop in Bakersfield, CA, enforcing the helmet laws.

SUMMARY When inspecting your helmet, check for: Interior manufacturer labeling DOT and/or SNELL approval Polystyrene foam (around 1” thick) Shallow fasteners, non-protruding rivets Thick/sturdy chinstrap Design and weight (around three pounds)