How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last and How To Maximize Your Motorcycle Helmet Safety



Posted: Tuesday, March 15, 2011

by Terry Watson
http://www.myridergear.com/page/page/7814029.htm

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Snell Memorial Foundation, motorcycle helmets should be replaced every five years.  Motorcycle Helmets generally have four elements: a hard outer shell, an impact-absorbing liner, retaining system and comfort padding. The outer shell and liner operate by spreading the energy of an impact to reduce the amount of energy transmitted to the wearer's brain.

The length of time that a helmet is viable was determined by a consensus between the DOT Helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Hair oils, body fluids, environmental situations and normal wear and tear may cause a deterioration in performance. The Snell Foundation also advises that protective advances in the helmet technology also changes within five-year periods.  Any DOT helmet that was involved in an accident should be replaced immediately, as some or all of its shock absorption qualities may have been used. Older DOT helmets, though they may appear to be in good shape, may have worn or frayed chin straps or hidden cracks.

If your motorcycle helmet is dropped, in most cases, your helmet is still good. Most manufacturers offer an inspection service and may, at their discretion, repair the helmet. The Snell Foundation recommends that if you suspect your DOT helmet is compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.

Don't buy a used motorcycle helmet it can compromise motorcycle helmet safety in a number of ways. First, you won't know whether it's been in a prior accident. If it has, chances are that the cushiony polystyrene layer inside that is designed to absorb the shock of an impact has already been compressed. This will make it worthless in protecting you in an accident. Also, age and exposure to certain elements can make the polystyrene lose its elasticity and become brittle, reducing the amount of protection it provides.  Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. If you ride a motorcycle, chances are pretty high that your DOT helmet will be exposed to sunlight. But, you can extend the life of your helmet and maximize motorcycle helmet safety by parking in the shade and storing the helmet out of the sun when not in use. Sunlight damages polystyrene, causing it to wear and become brittle over time.

Avoid excessive exposure to gas fumes and other chemicals. Gas vapours are particularly harmful to polystyrene. Avoid hanging your DOT helmet near the gas tank. To maximize motorcycle helmet safety, also avoid storing it in a garage or other area where it will regularly be exposed to concentrated gas fumes and emissions.  Avoid pointed or sharp objects. This seems obvious, but make sure you don't hang your helmet on pointed hooks or antennae that could pierce the inner polystyrene layer.

Perhaps the most important motorcycle helmet safety step is to replace your DOT helmet at least every 5 years. Even if you take every possible step to extend the life of the helmet, the inner polystyrene layer will brittle with age, providing you with less protection the older it gets.   
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