The incidence of motorcycle accidents in Malaysia is a growing public health problem. A majority of the accidents incur head injuries to victims despite wearing safety helmets. This study attempts to investigate the usability and acceptability of full face and open face helmets as protective devices. Subjects performed three basic skill competency tasks that differed in complexity levels while using both helmet types. A baseline condition was included for control purposes. The results indicated highly significant effects of helmet wear on task performance, with greater performance decrement when using full face than open face helmets. This may be attributable to restriction of the vertical visual field as established in past studies. Also, there were significant effects of helmet use on design suitability and comfort, with full face helmets being less ergonomically effective relative to open face. The findings imply the need for adequate enforcement of quality standards in the design and manufacture of safety helmets. (A)
Abstract