Accident distribution. By location: Crown - 2%, Rear - 21%, Front - 24%, Side - 53%. By Surface: Kerb - 2%, Flat: - 38%, Oblique - 60%. Accident Study Research - Distribution of Accident Impacts by Location and Surface. Source - COST 327 (2001)

Impact Locations

In order to carry out tests in a manner which most accurately reflects the real world distribution of frequency and direction of helmet impacts impact sites have been selected as shown in the figure below.

To ensure that the protection offered by helmets to riders is appropriate, it is necessary to ensure the impact conditions are representative of those experienced in real life. Data suggests that the impact sites currently used in UN ECE Regulation 22.05 are appropriate and these sites will be tested as specified. The side of the helmet is the most frequently impacted area - 53%. Therefore an additional side impact test will be completed meaning that both sides of the helmet will be tested. Helmet impact sites will be marked using the methods and criteria described in UN ECE Regulation 22.05 (paragraph 7.3.4.2 and annex 4 (fig 3)). A test area has been defined, over which the helmet can be tested, to prevent helmet optimisation and ensure a higher level of protection of the whole of the helmet.

The test protocols do not include an impact on the chin guard of full faced helmets (impact site S). Proposals have been made for testing chin guards at 5.5m/s with 275g limit and this was incorporated into the latest revision of UN ECE Regulation 22.05. Thus, all new helmets conforming to UN ECE Regulation 22.05 will incorporate effective chin guard protection, based upon the very latest research.