Rossi AGV K3 Winter Test 2019 Street Helmet - XL

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 forth the requirements for motorcycle helmets in the United States. This standard aims to ensure the safety and protection of motorcyclists by mandating specific design, performance, and labeling criteria for motorcycle helmets.

The primary objective of FMVSS 218 is to reduce the severity of head injuries sustained by motorcycle riders in the event of a crash. The standard specifies that motorcycle helmets must be able to withstand the impact forces and penetration associated with typical motorcycle accidents. To achieve this, the regulation establishes guidelines for the helmet's construction, including the shell, liner, and retention system.

The FMVSS 218 regulation requires that motorcycle helmets meet certain impact protection, penetration resistance, and retention system performance standards. These include:

1. Impact Protection: The helmet must be able to absorb a significant portion of the impact energy generated during a crash, reducing the force transmitted to the wearer's head. This is tested through drop tests, where the helmet is dropped onto a fixed, rigid surface at specified velocities.

2. Penetration Resistance: The helmet must be designed to prevent sharp objects from penetrating the shell and reaching the wearer's head. This is evaluated by dropping a pointed striker onto the helmet's surface.

3. Retention System: The helmet's chin strap and other retention components must be able to keep the helmet securely in place on the wearer's head during an impact, preventing it from being dislodged or separated.

In addition to these performance requirements, FMVSS 218 also mandates specific labeling and markings on the helmet. This includes the manufacturer's name, model designation, size, and a certification that the helmet meets the FMVSS 218 standard. The helmet must also display the DOT (Department of Transportation) symbol, indicating that it has been approved for use on public roads.

By establishing these comprehensive standards, FMVSS 218 aims to ensure that motorcycle helmets sold and used in the United States provide a high level of protection for riders. This regulation plays a crucial role in promoting motorcycle safety and reducing the risk of severe head injuries in the event of a crash.

It is important to note that compliance with FMVSS 218 is mandatory for all motorcycle helmets sold and used on public roads in the United States. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring that their products meet the regulatory requirements before making them available to the market.

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