History of Motorcycle Helmets

Skull cap, skid lid, brain bucket--these terms are all used to describe the helmet. But where did the helmet come from? What materials have been used and what laws apply to the motorcycle helmet use? Though the helmet started out simply, it has progressed quickly in terms of materials used. Additionally, new laws have been passed over the years regarding the use of motorcycle helmets.

Early History

While the first motorcycle was introduced in 1885, development of the helmet itself lagged somewhat behind. The motorcycle helmet really started off as the type of helmet that airplane pilots wore--a simple leather cap with a fur lining. But as motorcycles became faster and more powerful, the fatalities from crashes increased as well. It was then necessary to look for ways to protect the rider and cut down on the number of fatalities. University of Southern California (USC) Professor C.F. "Red" Lombard made it his mission to develop a motorcycle helmet designed to absorb the shock of an impact.

Early Materials

Early helmets were made from different materials such as leather or pith, which is a spongy material derived from plants. These materials were not very effective in protecting the head, but did help protect from debris or "road rash," which is similar to a severe scrape that happens when the rider crashes and skids on the road. Professor Lombard's improved helmet originally consisted of an inner layer of comfortable material underneath an outer layer of material that absorbed and spread out the energy produced in an impact.

Advances

Early helmets were largely ineffective, but improvements to the design were made in the ensuing decades. Some of the advances in helmet technology began with the shape of the helmet and in securing the helmet to the head. Newer, lightweight materials used included plastics and more layering inside the helmet. Computers and crash tests have also been implemented to check a helmet's safety effectiveness.

Modern Types

Today there are five basic types of helmets, each offering different levels of protection. All helmets are secured by a chin strap, which is effective in keeping the helmet in place while riding and in the event of a crash.

The first model is the full-face helmet, which is the most adequate for protecting the rider. It offers a visor chin protector that covers the entire head.

Off-road helmets are very similar to the full-face helmet, covering the entire head and chin, but they do not have a visor.

The "flip-up" or modular helmet is next in line in terms of protection. The chin protector part of the helmet can flip up and expose a good portion of the face. Some individuals prefer this helmet because it allows the rider to converse, eat or drink without removing the entire helmet. The chin bar is intended to remain in place while riding.

The three-quarter helmet offers considerably less protection that the aforementioned styles. This helmet protects the back of the head but is open-faced, thus lacking protection for the chin and front of the head and face.

The half-helmet, or partial coverage helmet, offers the least amount of protection and only covers the top of the head.

Because the face is so exposed with both the three-quarter and half-helmet, the chances of a face and/or brain injury increase dramatically. It is important to consider what level of protection you are looking for when purchasing a helmet.

Laws

Originally, the California Highway Patrol instituted regulations that motorcycle officers must wear a helmet. In 1966, the Highway Safety Act required states to have mandatory helmet laws if they wanted to receive federal funds for highway maintenance. In the same year, the American National Safety Standard for Motorcycle Helmets was introduced, which was designed to standardize helmets during production. Today, some states have no laws regarding helmets while other states require a helmet at all times. For complete information on each state's laws, see Resources below.