Crash Helmet Safety Ratings

With so many different crash helmet choices available, it can be daunting to choose. Crash helmets are rated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This system is not based on which helmet is the best in the market, but rather which helmet is safe for each activity. This system aids in choosing the correct helmet for your activity.

  1. Safety Standards

    • As of February 1999, all bicycle helmets that are sold in the United States have to meet safety standard tests set by the CPSC. If they do not meet these standards, they may not be sold. The relevant standard is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1447.

    Types of Tests

    • Bicycle helmets are tested to insure that the rider's vision remains clear and unobstructed, that they stay in place in the event of a fall, that the straps remain in place, and that the amount of impact to the rider's head is significantly reduced

    Preparing Helmets for Testing

    • A minimum of eight helmets of each size and model are tested. They are placed in the position that the manufacture specifies onto a form that simulates the rider's head. The helmets are then sent through the appropriate test to measure their ability to meet all standards.