A helmet safeguards the life of a rider and therefore is rightly termed as a ‘life-saver’. It has to go through various safety standards and testing procedures to offer optimal care and safety to the riders. In this context, helmet safety rating organisations play a crucial role in regulating and ensuring the implementation of safety standards by testing the helmets as per their safety compliances and rules.
In this blog, we are going to learn the various helmet safety ratings and standards that regulate the safety of helmets. In the end, we will also learn the best way to choose the safest helmet for you.
A] What Are The Helmet Safety Ratings?
The helmet safety rating is a measurement of safety standards that a helmet gives to a rider. The level of safety offered by the helmets is measured in the form of ratings by various helmet safety organisations. These ratings are usually labelled on the back of the helmets. These helmet safety organisations regulate the testing standards of helmets and ensure to follow their safety guidelines during helmet testing.
B] List Of Helmet Safety Ratings & Standards
1. DOT Rating
The US Department of Transport (DOT) was established in 1973 to regulate the safety standards of helmets sold in the United States. To be sold in the United States, helmets have to pass the penetration and impact tests to allow the helmets to be roadworthy and protective headgear. DOT certification helmets are known to be one of the safest helmets sold in the United States as the DOT safety rating is authorised by the US government.
2. ECE Rating
The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) is a helmet safety organisation that regulates helmet safety standards and rules in seven European countries and a few Asian and African countries. ECE certification helmets have to pass rigorous impact and penetration tests to be sold in these mentioned countries. Other factors such as face shield quality and shell rigidity are also checked during the testing. In addition, a Spanish helmet manufacturing company MT Helmets India manufactures helmets that comply with the DOT, ECE and ISI helmet rating systems.
3. ISI Rating
The Indian Standard Institute (ISI) is a reputed government-authorised safety organisation that regulates the safety of various things including helmets. As per ISI safety standards, helmets must pass impact and penetration tests like DOT and ECE helmet certification to be sold in India. ISI-certified helmets were first introduced to Indian riders in 1993. ISI is also known as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Apart from that, ISI also regulates the safety standards of various bike riding gears and associated motorbiking products.
4. SHARP Rating
The Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) was first introduced by the United Kingdom in 2007 to set the standard for helmet safety and regulations. Helmets must pass the set standards of SHARP before being released into the United Kingdom’s market. SHARP uses the star rating system to measure the safety standard of the helmets where five stars are known to be an excellent safety rating.
5. SNELL Rating
Snell Memorial Foundation is a non-profit and private safety organisation that works to improve helmet safety standards. SNELL is known for its quality and trusted safety rating as helmets with SNELL labels have to go with extra safety tests than those offered by other safety organisations like DOT, ECE and ISI. SNELL-approved helmets go through plenty of rigorous tests like impact, positional stability, dynamic retention, chin bar, shell penetration, and face shield penetration tests. SNELL-certified helmets are known for their quality and safety, no matter if they are budget or expensive helmets.
6. FIM
Fédération Internationale De Motocyclisme (FIM) was introduced in 2016 to safeguard professional motorcycle racers by offering rigorous helmets that withstand various impacts and collisions. FIM-certified helmets are known for their robust design and optimal safety standard checks. Although FIM-certified helmets are now available in the public domain. Anyone can buy these helmets to feel the adrenaline of racers but don’t forget to connect your helmet Bluetooth intercom for safe interaction with your phone calls while driving.
C] How To Choose The Best Safety Rating Helmets For You
Motorcycle accidents are a severe concern when it comes to rates of severe injuries and mortality. The use of a helmet while driving a two-wheeler is an independent factor in reducing mortality. Therefore it is evidently very crucial to choose the best and safest helmet to safeguard the life of the rider. Let us look at the key points one should consider before choosing or buying a helmet.
1. Helmet Certifications
First and foremost, helmet certification is a crucial aspect to look after while choosing a helmet. All the helmet safety rating organisations provide optimal safety to the rider. If you are searching for a helmet in India, look for ISI or SNELL-rating-approved helmets as they are believed to be best for Indian roads and conditions.
2. Fitting
The fitting of the helmet plays a crucial role in safety as it properly fits into one’s head and doesn’t feel loose while driving. The fitted helmets always promote focused driving. Therefore, always choose a helmet that properly fits into your head without being loose.
3. Ventilation
When buying a helmet online or offline, always look for maximum suitable air vents. These air vents make sure to cool down your head and ensure the equilibrium conditions between the outer and inner environment of the helmet. Well-ventilated helmet promotes comfortable and focused driving and thus promotes safe riding.
4. Visibility
Visible helmets always play a crucial role in safeguarding the rider in low-lighting conditions. Visible helmets can reflect even low lights. And, these reflected lights are sometimes enough to acknowledge your presence by fellow riders and thus promote your safety. Therefore, always choose helmets that have brighter colours such as yellow, orange, white and silver.
Conclusion
Helmets are the essential gear for a rider whereas helmet rating and standards are crucial for evaluating the safety standards of helmets. In this blog, we have discussed the various helmet safety ratings organisations such as DOT, ECE, ISI, SNELL, SHARP and FIM and their testing standards. These are the top helmet safety rating organisation that gives optimal safety assurance to the rider. However, it is crucial to choose helmets as per your location, riding behaviour, and trustworthiness.