News Bytes
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
DOT REGULATORS TO CRACK DOWN
ON NOVELTY HELMETS
U.S. transportation regulators on Wednesday, May 20 called for
stronger rules for motorcycle helmets, proposing additional safety
requirements in an effort to crack down on “novelty” helmets that do
not meet federal standards. Department of Transportation officials
say such uncertified helmets are unsafe and do not protect riders
in crashes despite being sold and marketed for use on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
proposes to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 218 to modify the existing performance requirements
of the standard by adding construction requirements. Its Proposed
Rulemaking changes would further define what makes an
acceptable motorcycle helmet, from its thickness to its compression
ability, “in an attempt to help riders and state law enforcement
officials identify inferior helmets.” Such changes aim “to reduce
fatalities and injuries resulting from traffic accidents involving use
of motorcycle helmets” that fail to meet federal standards, DOT
regulators told Reuters news agency, adding that rider deaths
are disproportionately high due in part to the high number of
motorcyclists wearing substandard helmets.
It is not clear why so many motorcycle riders use inferior
helmets, said the regulators, but they say part of the problem
seems to be that riders do not understand the risks. Novelty
helmets can also be cheaper and appear “more comfortable or
stylish,” they a Y