The Truth about Helmets

It was one of those rare moments, on a cloudy yet sunny morning when the breeze was perfect for some motorcycle riding.  With the weather on my side, I hopped on my scooter and set out to do my daily routine. Then it dawned on me… a feeling you get when you’ve forgotten something. My helmet, which I use in racing, didn’t have an “ICC” sticker. This meant I had to retreat and ride another day, being only a few hundred meters from the house.

Last January 1, LTO implemented RA10054 otherwise known as the “Helmet Law”.  Commuters on two-wheels were now required to present their “ICC” stamped helmets to checkpoint personnel. Failure to do so will incur a penalty of P1,500 for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense; P5,000 for the third offense; P10,000 for the succeeding offenses and confiscation of driver’s license.

So, what in the world is ICC? It stands for “Import Commodity Clearance” or a clearance issued by the DTI to manufacturers and importers certifying that their products meet the standard specifications and tests for quality and safety. It is represented by a seal of quality and we are advised to look for this sticker each time we shop for electrical supplies, appliances, etc.

It’s not that I am against this law because in principle, the helmet law is actually fine. There are just a few points that one should know before running to the Motorcycle store and buying a “PROPER ICC” helmet.

First, there is a worldwide community of research and testing organizations dedicated to understanding exactly what causes death and injury from accidents and collisions and the reduction of the occurrence of death and/or debilitating injury through research and testing. In the US and Europe, they follow the quality and safety ratings that the “SNELL” or the “DOT” certify.

One such organization is the SNELL Foundation. The SNELL standards for testing are most demanding. Helmets undergo numerous laboratory testing and inspection that are updated every 4 years. All Formula One and MOTOGP headgears are certified by this foundation. The latest SNELL seal for protective headgear is SA2010.

DOT, on the other hand, is a safety rating given by the US Department of Transportation.   sets minimum standards that all helmets sold for motorcycling on public streets must meet. DOT lab procedures include stringent tests in terms of impact, penetration, retention and peripheral vision.  Impact covers the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet. Penetration deals with the helmet’s ability to withstand a blow from a sharp object. Retention studies the helmet strap’s ability to stay fastened without snapping or stretching while peripheral vision touches on the minimum side vision of 105 degrees each side, without visor glare or design obstruction.

Second, with the market that is saturated with low grade helmets with “ICC” stickers, it just confirms my doubts about how serious DTI is in handling the inspection and testing of these headgears.  Do they have the qualified personnel, the capabilities or the facilities to do such test? Don’t you think a helmet with a SNELL or DOT Rating would be sufficient?

While this law aims to reduce motorcycle fatalities on our streets, we have to remember that good helmets don’t save irresponsible motorcyclists. Knowledge will.