A motorcycle helmets can be used by motorcyclists. By protecting the rider’s head from an impact, motorcycle helmets help motorcycle safety. They decrease the chance of injury to the head by 69%, and 42% reduce the risk for death. They are required in many countries by the law.
The polystyrene-foam inner shell absorbs impact shock and the protective layer is made of plastic. There are many variations, including helmets that cover the entire chin and helmets with a protective outer layer.
Origins
The Brooklands racetrack in early 1914 was where Dr. Eric Gardner noticed that he was seeing motorcyclists with head injuries approximately every 2 weeks. He hired Mr. Moss from Bethnal Green for the manufacture of canvas and shellac helmets that could withstand a heavy blow, and be smooth enough to glare off any projects. The Auto-Cycle Union initially rejected the design, but they later adopted it and made them mandatory for the 1914 Isle of Man races. However, there was some resistance from riders. Gardner brought 94 of these helmets to the Isle of Man. One rider who was struck by a gate with a glancing blow suffered minor injuries. Dr. Gardner received a reply from the Isle of Man’s medical officer, stating that the T.T. had been completed. They had “several interesting cases of concussion” in normal times, but none in 1914.
Safety effects
In 2008, a systematic study found that helmets lower the risk of injury to the head by 69% and 42% respectively.
It was once believed that helmets could increase the incidence of spinal and neck injuries in motorcycle crashes. However, recent evidence shows the contrary: helmets are effective against cervical spine injuries. The mid-80s study “used flawed statistical reasoning” to support the idea that helmets could increase the risk of spinal and neck injuries.
Basic types
There are five types of helmets that are intended for motorcycling. Other types are not meant for motorcycling but are still used by some riders. These helmets have a chin strap. If the chin strap isn’t securely fastened, their protection benefits can be reduced if they aren’t snug enough.
The following helmet types are generally accepted by manufacturers and riders:
- Full-face helmet
- Full Face
The full-face helmet covers the whole head. It has a rear section that covers the base of the skull and a protective section at the front of the cheek. These helmets often have an open cutout that runs across the nose and eyes. They also include a transparent or tinted plastic shield over the front of the chin. Vents are a common feature in full-face helmets. They allow for increased airflow. These helmets are very protective. These helmets are not for everyone. Some people dislike their increased heat, isolation, wind, and hearing loss. Full-face helmets are intended for off-road and motocross. Some people remove the face shield but increase the ventilation. Off-road riding is very physically demanding. Research has shown that full-face helmets provide the best protection for motorcycle riders. 35% of all motorcycle crashes resulted in major injuries to the chin. Some helmets with less coverage do not offer protection. However, they can be extended to increase ventilation and protect the rider from the intense activity of riding off-road.
Off-road / motocross
The Motocross and Off-road helmets have clearly extended chin and visor portions. There is also a chin bar and partially open faces to provide extra protection and allow for airflow during intense riding. The visor provides additional protection against flying debris and allows the rider’s head to be dipped during off-road riding. The visor also protects the eyes from flying debris during off-road riding.
Off-road helmets didn’t have a chin bar. Riders used helmets similar to modern open-face street helmets and a mask to protect their faces from dirt and debris. Modern off-road helmets have a chin bar that is usually angular rather than round to protect the face from flying dirt and debris. The result is almost identical to street helmets if combined with goggles.
