10-07-2021, 01:03 AM
Been daring and tried to read a report published by SHARP, in 2017 I think. It's called the COST327 report, has 235 pages, and is easy to find. And my guess, not everybody will feel compelled or equipped to digest such a volume. So I thought you might be interested in a very, very rough summary:
the good, some people do take a lot of time to look into accident data, injuries, helmet design and all the rest, their work is impressive, let's hope it will eventually make a difference.
the quick (take), when you take the time to understand their data and reasoning, you will quickly realize similarities with safety belts, ABS, and all the rest: any safety device works well at low speeds (of impact), at higher impact speeds (often as little as 35 MPH or higher - I repeat 35!!!), God bless you ! Even the latest, and most expensive high tech won't make a difference.
the ugly, at all the typical velocities which we all enjoy all the time, the accident studies make it clear that no helmet in the world can help you avoid the rotational forces which neither your brain nor your neck can handle. A very bad helmet can make them worse (if it's not as symmetric as possible = round). But whether your helmet cost 300 or 650 won't change that problem a bit.
My personal take. Please don't be upset for the personal "opinion" added to the report's results, and don't shoot the messenger.
the good, some people do take a lot of time to look into accident data, injuries, helmet design and all the rest, their work is impressive, let's hope it will eventually make a difference.
the quick (take), when you take the time to understand their data and reasoning, you will quickly realize similarities with safety belts, ABS, and all the rest: any safety device works well at low speeds (of impact), at higher impact speeds (often as little as 35 MPH or higher - I repeat 35!!!), God bless you ! Even the latest, and most expensive high tech won't make a difference.
the ugly, at all the typical velocities which we all enjoy all the time, the accident studies make it clear that no helmet in the world can help you avoid the rotational forces which neither your brain nor your neck can handle. A very bad helmet can make them worse (if it's not as symmetric as possible = round). But whether your helmet cost 300 or 650 won't change that problem a bit.
My personal take. Please don't be upset for the personal "opinion" added to the report's results, and don't shoot the messenger.