In the world of motorcycles, safety is not just a priority; it’s a non-negotiable necessity. At the core of every rider’s safety gear ensemble lies the trusty helmet, the first line of defence against the unpredictability of the road. However, as time marches on and countless miles accumulate, even the sturdiest of helmets can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Here at Zenith Motorcycles, we see all styles and conditions of crash helmets, some of which make our eyes water! Follow us on this journey of the secrets and sins of motorcycle helmets safety and regulations and ownership.
Why are Crash Helmets Important?
Based on research, the most common injury killing motorcyclists in accidents is head trauma. Here’s why:
Vulnerability: Motorcyclists lack the protective shell of a car, making them incredibly vulnerable in collisions.
Impact: In an accident, the rider is directly exposed to impact with the road, obstacles, or other vehicles.
Head Injury Risk: A high proportion of fatal motorcycle accidents involve significant head trauma. This can include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Helmet Limitations: While helmets are essential and significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, they aren’t a complete guarantee against fatal head trauma. A poorly fitting helmet can reduce its effectiveness in a crash.
So, now we have identified why we wear crash helmets, let’s look at what the law in the UK says about them. The Highway Code states:
Rule 83
On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations, and they MUST be fastened securely. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective helmet. Before each journey, check that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.
Now we are clear on the laws and regulations of helmet usage, lets look into the laws and best practices of the helmets themselves.
Laws RTA 1988 sects 16 & 17, & MC(PH)R as amended reg 4
1. Understanding Helmet Wear and Tear: Motorcycle helmets endure a barrage of elements, from scorching sun to pounding rain and everything in between. It’s no wonder, then, that they gradually succumb to wear and tear over time. Scratches, scuffs, and chips mar the once-pristine surface, while fading graphics and worn padding detract from both aesthetics and comfort. Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial to ensuring the helmet remains in optimal condition, safeguarding the rider’s well-being.
2. Motorcycle helmets should generally be replaced every 5 years from the date of purchase or 7 years from the date of manufacture. This is a general guideline based on the degradation of materials, particularly the EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner, over time, even if the helmet appears undamaged. Additionally, helmets should be replaced immediately if they have been dropped or involved in an accident, as impacts can compromise the helmet’s protective capabilities.
3. Impact-based replacement: Always replace your crash helmet after any impact. Even if there’s no visible damage, dropping a helmet or being in an accident can compromise the EPS liner, which is designed to absorb impact energy. Once compressed, it loses its effectiveness.
4. Safety Standards: For motorcyclists in the UK, wearing a helmet that meets specific safety standards is a legal requirement. These standards ensure the helmet provides a minimum level of protection in case of an accident. British Standard BS 6658:1985 and the BSI Kitemark: Helmets meeting this standard must carry the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark, an independent certification mark. The standard specifies requirements for the helmet’s shell, shock absorption, penetration resistance, and the retention system.
UNECE Regulation 22.05: This is a widely recognised European standard that focuses on impact absorption, penetration resistance, and retention system strength.
UNECE Regulation 22.06: The newest European standard, replacing 22.05, it features more rigorous testing, including rotational impact testing, higher and lower speed impact tests, and accessory testing to ensure accessories like visors or intercoms don’t compromise safety. Helmets manufactured after January 2024 (in Europe) must conform to this standard.
5. How can I tell if my helmet meets the legal safety requirements? Every helmet, or the chin strap, should display a label with the UNECE E + number in a circle (indicating the country where it was certified) and a serial number, or the BSI Kitemark and BS 6658:1985 marking.
6. Visors: British rules and regulations for motorcycle helmet visors are as follows
Safety standards: All motorcycle visors used on UK roads must meet either British Standard BS 4110:1979: Certified visors will bear the BSI Kitemark. UNECE Regulation 22.05 or 22.06: Visors must be marked with a UN ‘E’ mark and have an approval number starting with 05 or 06.
Visors without the required certification marks are illegal for use on public roads.
Tinted visors. Any visor used on the road must transmit at least 50% of available light. Tinted visors meeting this requirement will have the same certification marks as clear visors and be marked “Daylight use only”. The Highway Code advises against using tinted visors in low-light conditions. Dark visors transmitting less than 50% of visible light are illegal for road use. Using a non-compliant visor can result in penalties, including fines and points. Riding with a vision-restricting visor at night could even lead to charges of careless or dangerous driving. It is advisable to carry a spare clear visor for changing light conditions.
Everything You Need to Know About Motorcycle Helmets Safety and Regulations Conclusion
If you are riding a motorcycle, one of the most important things you can do is make sure not only that you have a good quality helmet, but that it is in good condition. Head injuries are no joke; it’s my job to convince my clients that spending money on a good crash helmet can go a long way in preventing serious injury. After all, how much value do you put on your brain?
