View Full Version : What the hell-met?
nerrrd
5th June 2021, 10:59
Anyone else read this article? Maybe the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council should be looking into this “unfortunate” situation?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125354664/helmet-failure-and-drinking-led-to-beloved-christchurch-priests-death
His death prompted chief coroner Anna Tutton to remind motorcyclists of the importance of having a correctly fitted and safety approved helmet that could not come loose in the event of a fall.
Senior Constable John Isitt, of the police serious crash unit, told the coroner a high proportion of helmets came off riders’ heads during crashes.
“It appears that it is often the second impact with the road surface that causes the fatal head injuries,” he said.
The coroner sought statistics on helmet failures, but was told they could not be obtained because it was not considered to be a factor that caused crashes – a situation she described as unfortunate.
Hoonicorn
5th June 2021, 11:19
Helmet fitment isn't really a thing that enough people seem concerned about. I've seen videos of accidents where the helmet flies off so it must happen a fair amount of the time.
It's easy to pick a helmet and take it to the counter and never have anyone check your helmet fitment isn't too big.
Jase H
5th June 2021, 11:30
I always remember in one bike shop I went to (sadly closed up long ago) when I was trying a helmet on and I asked one of the salesmen whether I should have this helmet or the next one down that felt too snug at the time. He told me to put the helmet on, which I did. He then grabbed the sides of it then told me to move my head. The fact that I could while he was holding the helmet steady suggested to him that it was too big.
Something I remember when looking for a replacement. I guess the strap needs to be done up tightly as well. Any risk of the 'quick release' mechanisms failing in the accident as well?
F5 Dave
5th June 2021, 15:14
So yeah I read that too and asked the Google question.
Turns out European study shows 9% or so helmets come off. 2/3 of those the strap wasn't done up, so geez guys. I mean some will forget occasionally, but the sort of person who regularly doesnt do it up, I'll editorialise, probably isn't the most careful.
Only 900 total in study but enough to draw some trends.
Another showed that 71% of people had helmet the wrong size!?!,
Sheesh!
I was told, put on a helmet do the strap up and try slide the helmet off from the back. I dont really do that anymore but I learnt what was too loose.
So is your helmet too loose?
jellywrestler
5th June 2021, 18:37
I was told, put on a helmet do the strap up and try slide the helmet off from the back. I dont really do that anymore but I learnt what was too loose.
So is your helmet too loose?
i beleive helmets should be fitted without the strap done up at all,
I suggested the ride forever crew ensure all staff at motorcycle shops know how to fit a helmet correctly, even if someone does come to the counter they can suggest they give a second opinion on fitting too
F5 Dave
5th June 2021, 18:46
Having read the summary of those studies, I heartily agree. Seems like a low hanging fruit.
FJRider
5th June 2021, 19:02
I suggested the ride forever crew ensure all staff at motorcycle shops know how to fit a helmet correctly, even if someone does come to the counter they can suggest they give a second opinion on fitting too
On any weekend ... hang about at any favorite cafe/pub frequented by Bikers ... and watch their helmet fitting process. More than a few have cut the straps off.
I'm guessing a few reading this don't believe me. So make a point OF WATCHING ... the results may surprise you.
Laava
7th June 2021, 09:26
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125352681/dairy-worker-had-fatal-fall-while-doing-a-trick-on-his-farm-bike
caspernz
7th June 2021, 14:26
Kinda begs the question, is motorcycling inherently dangerous? Personally I don't think so, but here's what I see on a routine basis...
Helmet too big for riders' head, helmet strap not done up properly, dirty visor, helmet old and should have been replaced years ago, gloves without wrist straps, tyre pressures way too low, tyres old and cracked, riding habits akin to russian roulette, footwear not suited to motorcycling, clothing not suited to motorcycling, poor maintenance on motorcycles...let's stop there :weep::weep:
Seems trying to do the right thing is lost on a good portion of the rider community :brick:
Sure there's a fair portion who want to keep improving their skills, and I'll help anyone who wants to work on things related to motorcycling, just a shame it appears this group is a minority for the time being :rolleyes:
Berries
7th June 2021, 19:41
Helmet too big for riders' head, helmet strap not done up properly, dirty visor, helmet old and should have been replaced years ago, gloves without wrist straps, tyre pressures way too low, tyres old and cracked, riding habits akin to russian roulette, footwear not suited to motorcycling, clothing not suited to motorcycling, poor maintenance on motorcycles...let's stop there
Yeah, but apart from all that, how was the Brass Monkey?
malcy25
8th June 2021, 11:05
Yeah, but apart from all that, how was the Brass Monkey?
You forgot no gloves!
I see people all the time, flash jacket, flash bike, flash helmet etc and no gloves....I hope they have some good friends that will help with some daily tasks!
F5 Dave
8th June 2021, 12:54
That's the one I don't understand , probably oh it's a short trip
I've swollen the back of my hand up in comparatively low speed racing tumble as the padding on the knuckles was a bit 1990s. I'd hate to think of the same with no gloves. Let alone bare fingers on chipseal
:shutup:
Just saw dude go past with flipface helmet in open position. That can't make for a simple tumble with an appendage sticking out of your helmet.
release_the_bees
8th June 2021, 17:11
You forgot no gloves!
I see people all the time, flash jacket, flash bike, flash helmet etc and no gloves....I hope they have some good friends that will help with some daily tasks!Each to their own. But the guy I saw a few months back wearing only a tee-shirt, shorts and a high-vis jacket, did make me shake my head. I can only assume that he'd just knocked off work somewhere where a high-vis jacket was mandatory, as it did seem out of place with the rest of his riding attire.
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pritch
12th June 2021, 11:29
I suggested the ride forever crew ensure all staff at motorcycle shops know how to fit a helmet correctly, even if someone does come to the counter they can suggest they give a second opinion on fitting too
The Arai I bought in NZ was sold to me by a young lady who had a framed certificate saying she was Arai trained. She asked intelligent questions and I believe she had other cheek pieces etc available although the helmet was a good fit so no adjustment was needed.
It's possible the physics involved might remove helmets, tight gloves and boots come off in accidents and can be seen flying though the air in some video clips.
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