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Motorcycle Helmets – DOT Safety Standards and SNELL Certification

If you are a first time buyer, you may be overwhelmed with all the information given on the web regarding the safety regulations of motorcycle helmets. Buying an expensive helmet that meets high safety standards doesn’t automatically offer the best protection in case of a crash. Knowing the specs and choosing a helmet that best fits you will. This article is meant to give you factual information so that you can make an informed decision before you make a purchase.

A motorcycle helmet is an extremely important accessory for motorcyclist. When purchasing a motorcycle helmet, two things to consider for safety are the DOT (Department of Transportation) rating and the SNELL certification. One comes from the manufacturer, DOT rating. The other comes at cost to the manufacturer, SNELL certification. There two organizations monitor and test motorcycle helmets for safety in the U.S. SNELL is a private nonprofit group concerned with the safety of all helmets used in transportation, while DOT is a federal agency.

DOT RATED MOTORCYCLE HELMETS:

The DOT tests motorcycle helmets each year to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). FMVSS require helmets to absorb a certain amount of impact energy, stay fastened in an accident and prevent penetration of objects. The rating is based on how many G Force (the force of gravity upon a given object in motion) a simulated head placed inside the helmet will receive upon impact, when dropped from a height of ten feet. Less than 400-G Force is the determining factor for the freely used “DOT” marking. I say freely used because the DOT relies on the manufacturers to test the helmets and provide a copy of test results. If the tests meet the federal motor-safety standards the helmet will have a sticker with DOT printed on it. However, in efforts to keep people safe and manufacturers honest, the Department of Transportation, itself, will conduct random testing of helmets and put products through the drop test, at which time a pass or fail evaluation will be given by the DOT. In addition, make sure your helmet has an inner lining measuring about an inch thick. DOT approved helmets usually weigh about three pounds. My suggestion to prospective buyers is to check NHTSA for the pass and fail listings that DOT posts for tested helmets prior to purchase.

SNELL CERTIFIED MOTORCYCLE HELMETS:

A SNELL certification has much more stringent goal to reach. This rating is obtained through request and cost of the manufacturer. The SNELL Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization formed in 1957 in memory of William Snell who died of head injuries sustained while wearing an ineffective helmet, performs intense testing upon request from the manufacturer. Members of the foundation perform the tests on the actual helmets. The foundation membership is comprised of scientists, physicians and participants in the sport of racing. The foundation’s goal is to develop and keep current the standards for effectiveness of safety helmets through research, education and testing. The results are a certification based on the highest and most current standards for safety and effectiveness of motorcycle helmets and, most likely, a more expensive helmet, as the overall cost to the manufacturer will be greater.

In summary, wearing an effective motorcycle helmet reduces your risk of dying in an accident by 37 percent. Buy a helmet that has a designation of DOT rated or SNELL certified, and buy the helmet with the highest rating that you can afford.

About the Author

We offer an extensive line of motorcycle helmets gear, riding gear and accessories.  Please visit our website at www.motorcyclehelmetsgear.com

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