Plenty of motorcyclists mistake not checking their motorcycle helmets after a crash. They don’t know that even minor scratches and bumps can result in invisible severe internal problems within the helmet. As a result, a helmet gets unknowingly destructive and causes further injuries. Some people don’t know if they should replace motorcycle helmets after a crash. Also, Some other groups are seriously unaware of the risks of removing a crash helmet. As a result, the slightest immature steps lead to more dangerous situations.
In this article, I will cover several vital questions you must know. Some of them are: Should you bother replacing your helmet no matter what happens? Are there any other things that riders should be concerned about? If you want to find out the answers to these questions, keep reading!
Motorcycle Helmet Protection During a Crash: Can They Help You For Sure?
The answer to this question is that helmets can help riders avoid severe injuries in a motorcycle crash, but each helmet may provide different levels of protection. As such, riders must regularly inspect their helmets and replace them if any significant damage or wear occurs.
Our investment in research has led us to believe that the protective foam liner in a helmet can easily be crushed and compromised during collisions, as they are just two layers. It is a piece of terrible news indeed, as once this layer gets compromised.
The helmet is nearly useless for future use as it can no longer absorb the forces exerted on your head during a crash causing serious injury or death. It’s not worth putting your life on the line for something that only seems like a good deal at the time of purchase.
There are several potential reasons why a motorcycle helmet might become damaged or worn after an accident:
- A fall from the bike.
- Head-on collision with another vehicle.
- Repeated falls from a height
- Motorcyclists who do not properly inspect and repair their helmets after crashes risk becoming injured or even killed.
Please read our article on surviving a motorcycle crash without a helmet.
Another thing that riders should keep in mind is that some external factors (such as weather) may also influence how well a helmet protects you from head injuries. For example, rain or snow may cause your bike to slide on ice or slush, potentially leading to head trauma even though you have a helmet. So always check your riding conditions before hitting the road!
How much impact Can a Motorcycle Helmet Take during a Crash?
A motorcycle helmet can withstand a lot of force during a crash, but it’s not bullet-proof. Most helmets generally protect against up to 90 percent of the energy inflicted on the head by an impact. That said, a motorcycle helmet can help reduce the severity of injuries in a crash.
Most motorcycle helmets can distribute the effects of a frontal collision over a larger area on the head and reduce the risk of skull fracture. They also typically provide better protection against lower-body injuries, such as spinal cord injury.
However, a motorcycle helmet cannot protect you if the crash is severe enough to cause significant brain or head trauma. Even a properly fitted motorcycle helmet may not prevent serious injury or death in these cases. So while a motorcycle helmet can help reduce the severity of injuries in a crash, it’s not 100 percent effective and is not meant to protect you from severe brain or head trauma.
And note that if your helmet gets damaged in any way (i.e., crushed or split), it no longer offers protection, and you must replace it as soon as possible!
Should You Remove The Helmet From a Head Injury Victim?
There is no one-way answer to your question, as the decision may depend on several factors specific to each situation. This section will explain the potential risks of removing a crash helmet. However, typically it is advisable to remove helmets from head injury victims if:
- The injuries are severe and life-threatening.
- The victim can’t move without removing the helmet.
- Riders who do not remove their helmets can increase their risk of severe injury or death.
- The Emergency medical personnel is unable;e to reach the victim quickly enough to treat them effectively.
If a head injury victim is conscious and alert, it may be safe to remove their helmet. However, if the victim appears to be unconscious or has serious head injuries, it is recommended that the helmet remains on until further assessment indicates. Otherwise, it could increase the risk of further injury.
The Hidden Damage to Your Motorcycle Helmet During a Crash
A helmet shell fits and protects the rider’s head perfectly, but various ways can cause invisible damage. It’s not necessarily what you don’t see on the outside that might be the danger.
There is one fatal flaw with such a system. Due to impact, the foam inside can get compressed after the crash, much like an airbag in a four-wheeler. Unfortunately, once the foam becomes compressed, it does not return to its original shape, so if you had another accident that didn’t work out, it couldn’t give you the same protection.
Also Read: Benefits of Using a Motorcycle Helmet
Is it Necessary to Replace My Motorcycle Helmet After a Crash?
No matter what kind of crash your motorcycle helmet experiences, it is still important to carefully check for damages and vulnerabilities. If you think the collision you had was minor, I recommend going and asking a professional or looking at the helmet yourself to make sure.
There are examples where a motorcycle helmet can get invisible damage inside. If a rider falls from the bike, their helmet hits the ground before their head does. In such a case, if you don’t wear helmets, you will likely suffer more severe injuries and more accident recovery time.
As a result, the sudden impact will likely cause internal damage to the helmet, no matter how qualified it is. Apart from external factors, another vital factor to consider is the fit of a motorcycle helmet. The helmet must fit your head securely and adequately adjusted to fit snugly around your head. The improper fitting can lead to air leaks and discomfort, which can interfere with your ability to avoid severe injuries in a crash later on.
You must know that professional mechanics will not be able to test for the impact at which your helmet cracked. It means that if the helmet cracked during a simple collision, you have to replace it because no matter what happened during the crash, there is always a chance that by doing so, you can prevent severe injuries on the road the next time you ride.
Most motorcycle shops will try to sell you a helmet that has suffered a bad accident. BELL, however, is different. They offer to check your helmet status over the phone or through email.
BELL’s phone number and customer support email: 800-456-2355 and bell@bellhelmets.com, respectively.
Also, You can find out what your helmet’s rating means and the manufacturer’s instructions for your helmet easily. We have found such a website maintained by the UK government. Visit: sharp.direct.gov.uk
Core Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet After a Crash
Here are the main reasons why you will want to replace your helmet right after you experience a crash:
- EPS Foam Damage – After a collision, there are many things that you need to replace and repair. For repairs, AGV accessories are best for broken helmet parts. One of them is the helmet foam. If it gets damaged, especially if you were going at high speed when you crashed and sustained a head injury, the foam may only last one or two falls. And you will be surprised by knowing how much it matters! An EPS foam can withstand multiple falls, so even if you crash by accident on the road, it would still protect the head somehow. And it is possible only with quality helmets. So check out your local motorcycle store and ask if they have an EPS foam replacement kit for their helmets.
- Damage to The Outer Casing – There are many reasons for a helmet’s outer casing damage, but the main one is that the EPS foam inside is no longer intact. The extreme case protects your head from forces that could make you receive splits and deformations. If you are unlucky to suffer a shock while wearing your helmet during an accident, you risk having the shell of your helmet destroyed. In most cases, the outer casing will suffer an impact shock to its surface, which in turn will cause internal cracks or deformations.
- Shock Injury – A shock can be a sudden jolt, fall, or collision with an object such as a wall, tree, or another person. It is common for helmets to experience a vulnerable shock, even after the helmet has been crashed and looks new again. If this happens to your helmet, you need to replace it.
Can I Buy A Second Hand Helmet To Save Money?
You may have heard that buying a secondhand helmet can save you money. It is true, but it’s not as simple as it might seem. Often the helmet will have been damaged in an accident, making it unsuitable for long-term use.
Some helmets may seem like a better bargain based on price alone, but the actual cost is in time spent repairing them. It is best to stay prepared to repair and replace any helmet that shows signs of wear or damage.
The safest way to buy a helmet is to purchase it new. If you want to save money, you can buy low-price helmets instead of new ones. Still, considering purchasing a secondhand helmet is not bad if you are in any financial crisis.
However, the lifespan of a helmet depends on the specific model and the impact factor that it has had. If you can afford to pay more for a new helmet and know that it will last longer than ten years, it is better to buy a new one from the market rather than buy it secondhand.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Expire With Date?
Every helmet has its shelf life. They wear out over time, and it is crucial to replace them regularly. The shelf life of a helmet varies depending on how you store them. However, you can no longer recall or replace helmets manufactured after January 1, 2020, because the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act covers them.
The more you wear, the more it will impact your safety. As we know, you must check your helmet for damage after a crash. Therefore, periodically perform checks to ensure the highest security. Always store your helmet in a dry and shady place. When it is not in use, keep it under cover of a bike rack or other suitable storage area at home.
How to Check If Your Motorcycle Helmet Is Not Safe After a Crash?
If your motorcycle helmet does not meet the safety standards, it may be unsafe to ride after a crash. Helmets impacted, such as those from a car accident or head-on collision, can shatter and cause serious injury. To check if your helmet is safe to wear after a crash:
- First of all, check the foam inside your helmet. If it is broken or compressed, the helmet may not be safe to wear.
- Remove all debris from inside the helmet by gently tapping around the interior with your fingers;
- Look for cracks in the shell or metal around the face (nose guard). If there are any cracks, they should be at least 1/2 inch wide and less than an inch deep. Also, look for dents or bulges that indicate head movement during the crash.
- Open and remove both chinstraps;
- Inspect liner for cuts, tears, or other damage;
- Check straps for tightness and indications of wear.
If any of the above inspections reveal a potential safety hazard, do not ride your motorcycle without a proper helmet. Also, if you find any cracks or damage, return the helmet to a motorcycle dealer or manufacturer for inspection and possible replacement. And if you don’t see any signs of wear, keep the helmet on.
Also Check: Bad Motorcycle Road Conditions
Should I Change my Motorcycle Helmet After an Accidental Fall?
Most motorcycle riders think they should change their helmets after a fall, but there is no set rule. Some crashes may not even result in any damage to the helmet. If you are unsure of your helmet damage, it’s best to go to a mechanic before making a decision.
If your helmet got damaged in a fall, you must replace it immediately! Even minor scratches or bumps can cause severe problems within the helmet’s padding and could lead to serious injury in case of another accident.
Are There Other Things I Should Concern About My Motorcycle Helmet After a Crash?
You can check if your helmet still fits appropriately by turning it around, so the bottom of your head is facing up. You may have a small space between your chin and the front of the helmet.
It indicates that you should replace it. Some injuries require medical attention, like whiplash or bleeding injuries. If you have such types of damages, be sure to record as much information about them as possible so you can file a police report later.
Check to see if your helmet still fits properly, and make sure there are no injuries requiring medical attention. Remember, The motorcyclist crash helmet is a critical component of safety gear.
If your helmet no longer fits properly, it may not provide the level of protection you need in a crash. Additionally, if any injuries require medical attention, your helmet may have helped protect them from further damage.
What Should I Do if I See a Motorcycle Accident Happening?
If you see a motorcycle accident happening, pull over and stop. If you can help someone involved in the crash, do so without hesitation. Remember: first aid is more important than anything else when treating injuries.
If you can safely do so, report the accident to the police. Gathering and noting as much information as possible will help investigate what happened and ensure everyone is safe. If you can’t help the people involved in the crash, remain calm and drive away.
Motorcycle helmets help protect riders from head and neck injuries in a crash. Don’t remove the motorcycle helmet if it’s not getting out or the victim feels uncomfortable.
Also Read: All About Losing Memory After a Motorcycle Accident
When Should You Remove a Motorcycle Helmet in a Crash?
Wondering In What Situation Would it be Best to Remove a Motorcycle Helmet After an Accident? Removing a motorcycle helmet in a crash may not be the best idea. If you can safely do so without interfering with care for the victim, remain calm and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
If it’s necessary to remove a motorcycle helmet to provide medical attention or protect the rider from further injury, follow these steps:
Stand behind the rider and grasp the back of the helmet with both hands. Pull up on the helmet until it separates from the head. Be cautious not to hit or pull on any connecting wires or cables. Hold onto the edge of either side of the helmet and give it a slight shake to remove excess powder, water, debris, or blood particles. Position yourself ready to help if needed. Immediately after removing the helmet, place the unconscious or injured rider in a comfortable position and call 911.