YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT! 

When we ride, we need to wear a quality helmet to protect our brain when we get into an accident.  Not all helmets are created equal and each rider needs to determine which helmet will give the best protection.

From a safety standpoint, modern full face helmets can offer the best possible protection in an accident.  While the outer shell of the helmet protects the head from abrasions and prevents objects from piercing the helmet, the true protection most often comes from the liner inside the shell.

William "Pete" Snell died from massive head trauma received in a race car accident.  Friends and family started a non-profit organization called the "Snell Memorial Foundation" (SMF) in 1957 to focus on learning more about head injuries and prevent future deaths by studying and using helmets.

In 1972 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that they were going to develop a standard for motorcycle helmets.  The DOT standard was written using information and methodology that was developed several years earlier.  Even though the DOT standard should be updated, it still provides for a safer helmet than one that has not been DOT approved.

There are two major differences between DOT and Snell approved helmets.  The testing standards are different as are the verification process of the results.

It is generally considered that Snell helmets have requirements that are more difficult to obtain than DOT helmets.  Some feel that because Snell helmets have requirements that are harder to achieve, the Snell certified helmets are too rigid.  To decide if the Snell testing is unrealistic is up to the individual to determine.  One thing is clear, it is in your best interest to buy a new helmet that meets at least the DOT standards.

Because helmets are designed to generally take at least one good blow, we recommend not buying a used helmet because you do not know it's history.  And all helmets should be replaced at least every 5 years.

Snell requires their certified helmets to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT standards.  DOT and Snell both test each helmet two times at four different impact zones.  DOT drops helmets from 6 feet onto a flat anvil and from 4.5 feet onto a hemispherical anvil.  Snell drops the helmets from a 10 feet and 7.5-feet on both anvils simulating a more severe impact.

Snell certified helmets are required to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT standards and Snell-certified helmets exceed the DOT standards.  While there's no guarantee a DOT-approved helmet has actually been tested, the purchase of a Snell-approved lid ensures that the product has been evaluated under scrutiny.

DOT certification is done by the manufacturer on the honor system.  Each manufacturer does their own testing and occasionally the government conducts limited tests or spot checks.

DOT standards are important because they are the minimum requirements all motorcycle helmets must meet.  A debate has been going on about "are the Snell standards too rigid and unrealistic?  Again, this is a decision that the individual buying the helmet must make.