The Department of Transport (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for motorcycle helmets, FMVSS No. 218, has not changed much since its introduction in 1974. Although changes were made to extend compliance testing to essentially all helmet sizes, and to standardize test procedures and equipment, the DOT standard has not kept pace with helmet state-of-the-art or competing international standards. The DOT standard needs a chin bar test and a face shield test due to the fact that the majority of modern helmets are of the full facial coverage configuration. Positional stability is not ensured by current requirements, and a "roll-off" test is needed to guarantee retention of the helmet during accident helmet during accident events. Also, current helmet technology will easily accommodate a "G limit" reduction from the antiquated 400g to a contemporary 300g, which could reduce concussion incidence in moderate impacts. (A)
Abstract