AGV K1 S Motorcycle Helmet - Matte Black - Medium

FMVSS 218: Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standard

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 is a regulation established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sets safety standards for motorcycle helmets sold in the United States. This standard aims to ensure that motorcycle helmets provide adequate protection for riders in the event of a crash.

The FMVSS 218 standard specifies the minimum performance requirements for motorcycle helmets, including impact protection, penetration resistance, and retention system strength. Helmets must undergo a series of tests to verify their compliance with these requirements.

One of the key aspects of the FMVSS 218 standard is the impact protection requirement. Helmets are tested by dropping them from a specified height onto a steel anvil, simulating the impact forces encountered during a crash. The standard requires that the helmet's peak acceleration during the impact does not exceed a certain threshold, ensuring that the rider's head is protected from excessive deceleration forces.

The penetration resistance test evaluates a helmet's ability to withstand the impact of a sharp object, such as a rock or piece of debris, striking the helmet. In this test, a metal striker is dropped onto the helmet's surface, and the standard stipulates that the striker must not make contact with the headform inside the helmet.

The retention system strength test assesses the durability and effectiveness of the helmet's chin strap and attachment points. This test involves applying a specified amount of force to the chin strap, simulating the forces that may be encountered during a crash, to ensure that the helmet remains securely on the rider's head.

In addition to these performance-based requirements, the FMVSS 218 standard also includes labeling and marking requirements. Helmets must be clearly labeled with the manufacturer's name, model designation, and a statement of compliance with the FMVSS 218 standard.

Compliance with the FMVSS 218 standard is mandatory for all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States. Manufacturers must submit their helmets to independent testing laboratories for evaluation and certification before they can be offered for sale. This ensures a consistent level of safety for motorcycle riders across the country.

The FMVSS 218 standard plays a crucial role in promoting motorcycle safety by setting minimum performance requirements for helmet design and construction. By ensuring that motorcycle helmets provide effective impact protection, penetration resistance, and secure retention, the standard helps to reduce the risk of serious head injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash.

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