Helmets, the good, the quick and the ugly

[j3gq_imp]

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.

[Phadreus_imp]

Thanks for sharing this j3gq, great info to ponder.

I just finished watching the MotoGP race from Circuit of the Americas (COTA) over the weekend. There were numerous crashes, all of which the riders walked away relatively unscathed. When you consider the advancements in those rider's PPE, to your point, helmets have not come far in improvements for protection. They have advanced considerably in reduction of weight, comfort and aerodynamics (and cool graphics). Where significant advancements have been made is within their leathers where G load sensing can activate pneumatic blast charges inflating bladders to minimize joint movement to combat limbs flailing about during the crash. Although neck braces are present with most, limiting the head movement is still tough.

Interestingly, the reports I've read from professional racing injuries/deaths suggests head injuries are relatively low, core body injuries (internal organ damage) and limb damage (broken/dislocated bones) are more prevalent. I wonder if road injuries/deaths are similar in nature?

I have come to believe, being a rider on the street, that the most important aspect of safety is your own personal awareness. Awareness = avoiding risks. As an example, I was recently riding with a friend who was following me. He's a relatively inexperienced rider. We came around a corner, and before entering the turn I noticed the edge of the road was adjacent to a large dirt/gravel area where vehicles have cut the inside of the corner short. I know from experience, this is often times opportunity for dirt/gravel/debris to get pulled out onto the road. I went wide in the turn towards the center of the road just in case there was gravel present. Sure enough, there was on the inside 4-6 feet of the road. I rode through the turn with no problem. My newby rider friend road through tightly on the inside of the turn, hit the gravel and got loose. When we stopped at the next intersection, he said "Wow, I nearly went down back there." I can't even guess how many purposeful decisions we make while riding based on past experience, some close calls, some watching others and what not, to minimize the risks of an accident. Awareness and staying alert are keys to safety and just as important as PPE in my opinion.

[j3gq_imp]

Fully agree Phadreus. So let me add that the COST study did not include racing or race tracks at all. Why ? My guess is that the conditions on a race track simply do not translate to the situation on our streets. Just to name a few reasons: race track riders go all in one direction, more or less parallel to each other (Yes, I know .... until ... you hit the other m/c). Race tracks are protected spaces, no curb stones, no fences, no trees. etc. It's all nicy nice flat and clean. And finally there is no opposing traffic (brings the "true speed" up by 2x), and no crossing traffic (uhh, adds to the rotational forces). Thanks for your interesting answer.

[Houtman_imp]

I fully agree with Phadreus : "reading " the road is as important as observing the traffic.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks for sharing this j3gq, great info to ponder.

I just finished watching the MotoGP race from Circuit of the Americas (COTA) over the weekend. There were numerous crashes, all of which the riders walked away relatively unscathed. When you consider the advancements in those rider's PPE, to your point, helmets have not come far in improvements for protection. They have advanced considerably in reduction of weight, comfort and aerodynamics (and cool graphics). Where significant advancements have been made is within their leathers where G load sensing can activate pneumatic blast charges inflating bladders to minimize joint movement to combat limbs flailing about during the crash. Although neck braces are present with most, limiting the head movement is still tough.

Interestingly, the reports I've read from professional racing injuries/deaths suggests head injuries are relatively low, core body injuries (internal organ damage) and limb damage (broken/dislocated bones) are more prevalent. I wonder if road injuries/deaths are similar in nature?

I have come to believe, being a rider on the street, that the most important aspect of safety is your own personal awareness. Awareness = avoiding risks. As an example, I was recently riding with a friend who was following me. He's a relatively inexperienced rider. We came around a corner, and before entering the turn I noticed the edge of the road was adjacent to a large dirt/gravel area where vehicles have cut the inside of the corner short. I know from experience, this is often times opportunity for dirt/gravel/debris to get pulled out onto the road. I went wide in the turn towards the center of the road just in case there was gravel present. Sure enough, there was on the inside 4-6 feet of the road. I rode through the turn with no problem. My newby rider friend road through tightly on the inside of the turn, hit the gravel and got loose. When we stopped at the next intersection, he said "Wow, I nearly went down back there." I can't even guess how many purposeful decisions we make while riding based on past experience, some close calls, some watching others and what not, to minimize the risks of an accident. Awareness and staying alert are keys to safety and just as important as PPE in my opinion.

A big (+1).

[rboe]

All the accidents I've had, and put me in the hospital have been below 30mph. Motorcycle accidents have a nasty way of teaching you about inertia.

Fortnine did a a good video on helmets and the governing bodies that had out ratings to helmets. Eye opening.

[Whoops]

All the accidents I've had, and put me in the hospital have been below 30mph. Motorcycle accidents have a nasty way of teaching you about inertia.

Fortnine did a a good video on helmets and the governing bodies that had out ratings to helmets. Eye opening.

Eye opening and a bit disheartening to learn that money > lives to some certification organizations. But then that should surprise precisely nobody.

[Tom_imp]

no left turners on the track

[Tev62]

Thanks for sharing this j3gq, great info to ponder.

I just finished watching the MotoGP race from Circuit of the Americas (COTA) over the weekend. There were numerous crashes, all of which the riders walked away relatively unscathed. When you consider the advancements in those rider's PPE, to your point, helmets have not come far in improvements for protection. They have advanced considerably in reduction of weight, comfort and aerodynamics (and cool graphics). Where significant advancements have been made is within their leathers where G load sensing can activate pneumatic blast charges inflating bladders to minimize joint movement to combat limbs flailing about during the crash. Although neck braces are present with most, limiting the head movement is still tough.

Interestingly, the reports I've read from professional racing injuries/deaths suggests head injuries are relatively low, core body injuries (internal organ damage) and limb damage (broken/dislocated bones) are more prevalent. I wonder if road injuries/deaths are similar in nature?

I have come to believe, being a rider on the street, that the most important aspect of safety is your own personal awareness. Awareness = avoiding risks. As an example, I was recently riding with a friend who was following me. He's a relatively inexperienced rider. We came around a corner, and before entering the turn I noticed the edge of the road was adjacent to a large dirt/gravel area where vehicles have cut the inside of the corner short. I know from experience, this is often times opportunity for dirt/gravel/debris to get pulled out onto the road. I went wide in the turn towards the center of the road just in case there was gravel present. Sure enough, there was on the inside 4-6 feet of the road. I rode through the turn with no problem. My newby rider friend road through tightly on the inside of the turn, hit the gravel and got loose. When we stopped at the next intersection, he said "Wow, I nearly went down back there." I can't even guess how many purposeful decisions we make while riding based on past experience, some close calls, some watching others and what not, to minimize the risks of an accident. Awareness and staying alert are keys to safety and just as important as PPE in my opinion.

Totally agree, but even more so. If you can observe the road conditions and hazards well enough safety gear becomes almost redundant, it is in effect your last resort.

[j3gq_imp]

All perfectly right, but there is one problem. Humans are not built or equipped to stay alert for an extended period of time. Experience and training can help, but sooner or later everybody has a bad day. When that happens - we are often subconsciously aware of it - we got to go slow. That's the lesson from the report.