Friday, September 2, 2011

DOT and Snell motorcycle helmets: Understanding DOT and Snell ratings


!±8± DOT and Snell motorcycle helmets: Understanding DOT and Snell ratings

A number of factors that come into play for a pilot when you buy a new helmet. Carry a factor that must be taken into account all the drivers, and the number one reason a helmet in the first place, security.

A die, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2003, when comparing mile for mile, the riders face a greater risk by 32 percent in an accident compared to drivers in a car. In fact, the simple practice of wearing a helmetdrastically reduce the number of deaths per cycle riders. The NHTSA estimates that 1984-2004 would be about 11,000 motorcyclists were alive today, if you were wearing a helmet while driving.

Snell and Department of Transportation (DOT) classification remains an industry standard, customers can evaluate the safety, "effectiveness" of a helmet. But what the DOT and Snell standards have meaning for the average driver?

To start with, these votes have been created to offerobjective criteria for the certification of safety helmets. Consequently, instead of relying on what a manufacturer or dealer can tell a buyer, the buyer can now identify available real criteria for the assessment of specific measures to protect the helmet.

But what are the test methods are used in determining what criteria? Let's start with the DOT to begin the evaluation.

DOT Rating

The DOT test results in a straight line impact. With a simulated head placed in a helmet, the tester dropsHelmet from a height of three meters. The head can not receive more than 400 G-force impact units. A G-force unit measures the gravitational force against an object in motion is carried.

Well, here's the kicker with DOT rated helmets - the producers do not need to test their helmets to claim a DOT rating! A manufacturer of helmet should simply feel that the helmet meets the DOT to mark their "DOT rated." As the DOT from time to time pulling on helmets for testing, butMost helmets sold as certified DOT do not load test level.

Snell voting

The Snell certification is in strict opposition to DOT specifications. Helmet manufacturers voluntarily sell their products to the Snell rating service and pay for the testing process. These procedures are extensive and include seven types of tests, ranging from shell shock to penetration testing in the flammability test. The nature and scope of the test depends on the type ofHelmet and their application.

Snell cites the following critical areas, such as safety helmet:

Impact management: how well the helmet protects against collisions with large objects; Stability of the helmet position: if the helmet on your head be present when needed; Retention system strength: If the strap is sufficiently strong enough to hold the helmet on, and the impact Scope of protection: the area of ​​the head through the protectedHelmet.

Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. (2005). 2005 standard for head protection, 4

In short, Snell offers the highest standards of security certification of the helmet. But a buyer will pay a higher price for Snell certified helmets, because the additional costs for the production and testing of the total added value of the helmet.

Safety issues

There are a number of points in the minds of buyers when you buy a helmet. Style, color, fit and comfort are extremelyimportant factors when buying a helmet. The price is also a consideration for many buyers. However, security must be critical when buying a helmet. If you skimp too much on price, you could get a nice helmet that does not stop until the critical moments. So you take the time to do your homework and find a helmet that will keep you alive and give you the opportunity to ride for years to come.


DOT and Snell motorcycle helmets: Understanding DOT and Snell ratings

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