Dropping of helmet.

[1vanvan1]

So my helmet fell off my bike today. It way onto gravel. No cracks, just a few scrapes and a kinda stone chip.

I remember reading things about fi you drop it its screwed, then i also remember reading that that is a myth.

Whats is the verdict? I am going to continue wearing it. Just curious if i have jeprodised (SP) its strength.

[James Deuce]

http://www.hjchelmets.com/helmet_usage.htm

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/74.html

http://www.helmetcheck.org/safetytips.aspx

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

Have a read and make your own mind up. We're all idiots.

[Mully]

Better question is:

If the safety is compromised, do you really want to take the chance of it not working properly if/when you do need it?

[slofox]

http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=160

Check this out - especially the bit about dropping or chipping a helmet - well an Arai helmet anyway...

[Grumpy Gnomb]

You can always buy another helmet but you only get one head

[Owl]

http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=160

Check this out - especially the bit about dropping or chipping a helmet - well an Arai helmet anyway...

Yeah I saw that a while back............just after I dropped my Arai and replaced it.

[slofox]

Yeah I saw that a while back............just after I dropped my Arai and replaced it.

The important bit in that is the reference to the "action-reaction" situation. The helmet is fine if it falls with only its own weight aboard but when it has 5 kg or more of thick skull aboard it will be damaged - through stopping all the momentum that the heavy head produces...so if you are an airhead your helmet will be OK....I guess...

[awayatc]

You can always buy another helmet but you only get one head

You can always buy more head to.......

[p.dath]

http://www.hjchelmets.com/helmet_usage.htm

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/74.html

http://www.helmetcheck.org/safetytips.aspx

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSI.pdf

Have a read and make your own mind up. We're all idiots.

I like this bit from the Australian web site above:

What if you drop your helmet?
There is also a lot of fear mongering about dropped helmets.

This is a problem because no one can ever guarantee that a helmet has not sustained any damage in a drop. How many 'little' drops affect the helmet' s ability to protect the wearer in the event of that one major impact?

Manufacturers and safety authorities are bound to err on the side of caution and to advise that the helmet should be replaced if it has sustained an impact. This is because they cannot take the risk of saying 'that it is alright to re-use it after the drop'.

Use common sense
If you drop your helmet or it fell off your bike (stationary), then there would be little chance of damaging the outer shell or the inner shell which actually absorbs the energy on impact. However, if you throw your helmet against a wall or down the road in a fit of rage, then you could damage the outer shell and affected the helmet’s ability to protect you (Gibson, 2004).

[YellowDog]

Just ride safely and don't ever come off

IMO - If the helmet has landed on gravel, this will have absorbed and spread the impact. The inners will be fine you just need to make a call on the scuffing. If it is more than just superficial, bite the bullet and bin it for a new one.