This article reports the results of tests of cycle helmets by the Consumers Association in the UK. About two-thirds of the 200 fatalities to cyclists per year on British roads are due to head injury, and thousands more have serious injuries including brain damage. A cycle helmet is designed to lessen the force of an impact on the head during an accident to a cyclist, because it absorbs energy as its material is crushed. No helmet can protect the head completely against the impact of a high-speed crash, but a helmet should provide some protection in all accidents, as long as it fits the head properly. 24 helmets were given rigorous laboratory tests, to see which of them would provide the best protection in an accident. The helmets on test were designed to meet at least four standards: (1) Snell B95, one of the world's strictest standards; (2) the less strict new European Standard EN1078; (3) ANSI; and (4) ASTM. They were also subjected to impact tests. Only nine of the helmets passed all the tests. In addition, a panel of experienced cyclists was asked to assess the helmets for comfort and ease of adjustment. Cyclists should choose helmets that are comfortable, fit well, and whose appearance they like. Advice is given on how to obtain the best fit. The characteristics of all 24 helmets are tabulated.
Abstract