Re: [RC] Riding helmets - don't use bike helmets - April Allison
Yes!! you should replace your helmet as it ages even if you have never
taken a knock.
Check with the manufacturer about their product on when to replace. They
will have a recommendation on how often to trade in.
It also depends on how you keep your helmet. Exposure to extremes of
heat and cold degrade the foam. Exposure to humidity or chemical fumes can
degrade it as well.
Old or frozen packing material can give you an Idea of what happens to it.
When it gets brittle and crumbly. The small cells are meant to collapse and
absorb the shock of the hit. If they are brittle or already collapsed from a
hit, they will not absorb the amount of impact they are meant to and will not
protect as they should.
If you keep your helmet in the horse trailer, the barn, or hanging on
the wall of your garage, and you live where it gets hot or cold,
(everywhere) you should replace your helmet sooner than the manufacture
recommendation. Keep them in the house and they will provide protection much
longer, as long as you remember to take it out with you when you go to ride.
:o)
If you ride somewhere that keeps its helmets in the barn, buy
your own. Chances are they don't spray them for head lice either.
Also, they are doing research on safety all the time. The newer helmets are
much safer than the older ones.
The web sight with all the statistics that I listed before has many studies
comparing helmets to each other. Different styles, years, and even sizes. In
some brands, the larger helmets give adequate protection but the smaller sizes
do not. You can go to the search and put in your helmets brand and find
the studies that have been done on them.
The dropping of a helmet with jello in it that I mentioned before shouldn't
actually be done. If you do, you need to replace the helmet after. I meant it to
be silly and should have said so before.
AND, while I am at it. REPLACE any helmet that
takes an impact. They are ONE TIME USE ONLY safety items. One
you receive a blow to the head, get a new one. Many reputable
companies will provide a low cost replacement if it is
needed.
A curious question, should a helmet be replaced on time alone whether it
has taken a good knock or not. I have been using my present helmet for
about 7 years. Should I replace it as it ages ?
