MOTORCYCLE AND BICYCLE PROTECTIVE HELMETS: REQUIREMENTS RESULTING FROM A POST CRASH STUDY AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Abstract

A postcrash investigation of 329 motorcycle and bicycle crashes involving head injury using police, hospital and post mortem data and damage assessment of the protective helmets worn in the crash was conducted. Experimental research into the skull bone strength, transmission of impact force from the lower jaw to the intracranial space, properties of protective helmet lining materials and headforms for helmet testing was included. Laboratory simulation of sliding and rotational accelerations of the head for different helmet types and crash situations was also investigated. Findings indicate a need to revise the Australian Standards for protective helmets to provide improved protection to facial and temporal areas, to soften protective helmet liners and improve sliding properties of helmets. The optimal requirements for children's bicycle helmets need to be defined in terms of helmet mass and stiffness of child skull bone.