In 1956, William "Peter" Snell was involved in an amateur auto racing accident and suffered massive head injuries. An ineffective helmet allowed the injuries to take place and caused his death. Out of this terrible tragedy, and in memory of his life, came the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF). This non-profit foundation was originally formed in 1957 by racing colleagues and friends, as well as physicians and scientists showing expertise in head injuries. The intention of the Foundationwas to create standards of effectiveness for helmets used in the auto racing industry. The Foundationissued its first safety standard for auto racing helmets in 1959.
SMFlater expanded its focus to include safety and effective performance standards for motorcycle helmets as well as helmets used in skiing, bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding and even equestrian sports.
Motorcycle Helmets - Snell Standards
The standards set forth by the Foundation for motorcycle helmets are the most rigid and rigorous standards to date and are kept current through consistent updates. A Snell Certification is granted to a motorcycle helmet model only after a number of tests are passed to measure the effectiveness of performance as well as its ability to stay on the head in a variety of conditions, including wet and cold. SMF remains completely independent of the helmet manufacturers and government entities. Also, Snell Certifications are voluntary. Therefore, the motorcycle helmet manufacturer must submit to and pay for the testing of their products. Helmets that pass are labeled on the inside to show certification of the product. Additionally, a list of tested helmets is kept by the Foundation.
Motorcycle Helmets - Snell Tests Performed
Tests performed to determine Snell Certification eligibility include the following:
Impact test-tests for g-force on impact (300g or less is the standard)Positional Stability or Roll-off Test-measures the ability of the helmet to shift but not roll off of the headDynamic Retention Test-tests for the maximum stretch of the chin strap in stressChin Bar Test-measures the side turning of the chin bar (applies to full face motorcycle, and special app/kart racing helmets)Shell Penetration Test-used to test the helmet's ability to eliminate or limit penetration by a test striker dropped from a certain heightFace Shield Penetration
Test-measures the shield's ability to deflect a speeding pelletFlame Resistance Test-test used for special application racing helmets done with the use of a propane flame.
Motorcycle Helmets - Certification Follow-up
In efforts to ensure a continued compliance with the standards by which the motorcycle helmets are tested, the Foundation follows up on previously certified helmets. This is accomplished through random purchasing of and testing on products stocked for sale to the public. This added testing helps to assure the consumer that the standards by which the motorcycle helmet's effectiveness was originally measured are still being met. In the case of the test sample proving to not be in compliance with the original certification standards, corrective measures by the manufacturer to meet those standards may be imposed by the Foundation.
Statistically, wearing a motorcycle helmet is estimated to have been 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers, in 2008. NHTSA estimated that, in this same year alone, the use of motorcycle helmets saved the lives of 1.829 motorcyclists. (Traffic safety facts: 2008 data) Furthermore, wearing a motorcycle helmet with the Snell Certification can help to assure the rider of the performance quality of the helmet they are wearing should an accident occur during its use. This particular certification does add cost to the process of manufacturing the helmet. Therefore, the ultimate price for the motorcycle helmet will be greater than some helmets that do not come with the Snell Certification. However, in the unfortunate event that your helmet's effectiveness is put to the real test, it may just prove to be worth far more than the added price.
Author Profile: I am a high energy, self motivated mother of two. I am not a desk dweller, so in July of 2010, I took a chance and launched my first on-line business named MotorcycleHelmetsandJackets.com. This business is centered around power sports and offers motorcycle helmets, motocross jackets, dirt bike apparel, protective gear and all things needed to cover all riders from head to toe, regardless of age or gender or terrain. I have spent the recent past educating myself in this business and populating my website with products of the best quality and most current styles. At present I am focused on taking my first business to the highest level of success that is possible, while taking care of my family and looking toward opening day for the other ideas I have for on-line commerce sites. I am an avid swimmer, play tennis almost every morning and have a free weight workout that I enjoy four times a week. I love to play the piano and read in my down time at the end of every busy day.
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