Motorcycle Helmet design and construction
Motorcycle helmets are very sophisticated. The modern helmet has been developed as a result of many years of research by helmet manufacturers and testing organisations. A properly fitted helmet is the best form of head protection available to a motorcyclist. It is proven that they do work and can lesson the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The helmet provides protection by reducing the severity of injury through inadvertent impacts to the head, by cushioning the blow and spreading it over a larger area of energy absorbing material. There are four basic components within a modern motorcycle helmet that make it function in order to provide protection. See the highlighted areas on the diagram below for further details:
Visor
Stops wind, objects, dirt blasting directly in your face and eyes
Impact absorbing layer
(expanded polystyrene) Padding to cushion the blow, absorbs energy so that your head doesn't have to.
Together the shell and liner combination spread the impact forces throughout the helmet.
Hard outer shell
(typically of glass or carbon fibre reinforced composite or a thermoplastic such as polycarbonate)
Very tough to resist external forces, distributes and disperses energy away from the impact point to lessen the forces acting on your head
Comfort padding
(soft foam and cloth) Sits next to your head keeping you comfortable and ensuring the helmet fits really snugly.
Retention system
(chin strap) Helps keep your helmet on your head
