In 1972, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (HHTSA) set about creating new minimal safety standards for motorcycle helmets. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, commonly called the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard, was initiated and signed into law. The act marked the culmination of years of review and analysis. The DOT standard was revised slightly in 1974 and has subsequently undergone other minor alterations, but basically has remained unchanged for more than 30 years.

The purpose of DOT standard 218 is to identify helmets that comply with government standards for helmet safety. It should be noted that motorcycle helmets are not required in some states and that while the Federal Government has set safety standards, there is a general lack of enforcement and oversight by the program. Basically, the government has established outdated safety standards and relies on the manufacturers to comply and attest to their compliance with these standards. Based on the manufacturer's representation, a DOT stamp of approval is placed on each helmet.

This is not to say that the government does not test helmets. Each year, DOT provides token testing and presents manufacturers with the results. However, in 2001, the government inspected just 40 helmets. The Department of Transportation relies almost exclusively on the helmet manufacturers to meet the safety standards. As government-testing requirements are minimal, motorcyclists have long expressed concern over the safety of helmets.

The DOT standard for testing requires that helmets be tested twice at four different impact zones. DOT approved helmets are dropped from a 6 foot height onto a flat anvil and then again from a 4.5 foot height. The manufacturer is required to sign off on compliance with these standards prior to applying the DOT emblem to the helmet. However, in the 40 unit testing performed directly by DOT in 2001, 20% of the helmets failed the test.

In the motorcycle helmet industry, more stringent safety requirements are applied by the independent Snell Standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF). The Snell Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing motor sporting helmet safety. The foundation was established in 1957 in memory of racecar driver William Peter Snell and has since served as the recognized leader in safety standards for a variety of sporting helmets. Unlike the Department of Transportation, the SMF aggressively and randomly tests many motorcycle helmets each year.

SMF maintains two testing facilities

Author: Justin Payne

About the author:
Savin Scalp Helmets.com your one stop shop for motorcycle and novelty helmets of all shapes and sizes. We provide a wide selection of affordable novelty, half or full face, and motorcross helmets. Our brands include Voss, Caliber, Daytona, Hawk, Outlaw, Bell, and Rhodia. Visit us online today at www.savinscalphelmets.com for more information.

Article source: Free Automotive Articles.