Dot Fmvss-218 Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards
When it comes to riding a motorcycle, safety should be your top priority. One of the most important safety measures you can take is wearing a helmet. But not all helmets are created equal. In the United States, all motorcycle helmets must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what this standard entails and why it's important.
What is DOT FMVSS-218?
The DOT FMVSS-218 is a set of safety standards that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must meet. These standards were established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in order to ensure that all helmets provide a certain level of protection to riders.
In order to comply with DOT FMVSS-218, a helmet must meet a number of different requirements. These include:
- A minimum impact attenuation test
- A penetration test
- A retention system test
- A labeling requirement
Let's take a closer look at each of these requirements.
Impact Attenuation Test
The impact attenuation test is designed to simulate the force of a rider's head hitting the ground in a crash. During this test, a helmet is dropped from a height of 10 feet onto a flat anvil. The helmet must not transmit more than 400 g's of force to the headform inside the helmet.
If a helmet fails this test, it cannot be sold in the United States as a motorcycle helmet.
Penetration Test
The penetration test is designed to simulate the force of a sharp object hitting a helmet. During this test, a pointed striker is dropped onto the helmet from a height of 3 meters. The striker must not penetrate the helmet or make contact with the headform inside the helmet.
If a helmet fails this test, it cannot be sold in the United States as a motorcycle helmet.
Retention System Test
The retention system test is designed to ensure that a helmet stays securely on a rider's head during a crash. During this test, a weight is hung from the chin strap of the helmet and then pulled down with a certain amount of force. The helmet must not come off the headform during this test.
If a helmet fails this test, it cannot be sold in the United States as a motorcycle helmet.
Labeling Requirement
The labeling requirement is designed to ensure that consumers can easily identify helmets that meet the DOT FMVSS-218 standard. All helmets that meet this standard must have a DOT sticker on the back of the helmet. This sticker contains information about the manufacturer, the helmet model, and the production date.
If a helmet does not have a DOT sticker, it cannot be sold in the United States as a motorcycle helmet.
Why is DOT FMVSS-218 Important?
The DOT FMVSS-218 standard is important because it ensures that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States provide a certain level of protection to riders. Without this standard, there would be no guarantee that a helmet would protect a rider in the event of a crash.
According to the NHTSA, helmets that meet DOT FMVSS-218 are approximately 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and approximately 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
It's also worth noting that wearing a helmet that meets DOT FMVSS-218 is required by law in many states. Even in states where it's not required by law, it's still a good idea to wear a helmet for your own safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DOT FMVSS-218 standard is a set of safety standards that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must meet. These standards ensure that helmets provide a certain level of protection to riders in the event of a crash. If you're in the market for a new helmet, make sure to look for one that meets DOT FMVSS-218. And remember, wearing a helmet is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe while riding a motorcycle.