Alpinestars M5 Rover Helmet Md (Sand/Tangerine/Camo)

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 is a regulation established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, which sets forth the minimum safety requirements for motorcycle helmets. This standard aims to ensure that motorcycle riders are provided with adequate head protection in the event of a crash or impact.

The FMVSS 218 standard was first introduced in 1972 and has since undergone several revisions to keep pace with evolving safety technologies and research. The primary purpose of this regulation is to establish performance criteria and testing procedures that motorcycle helmets must meet in order to be considered safe and legally compliant for use on public roads.

One of the key requirements outlined in FMVSS 218 is the impact attenuation test, which evaluates the helmet's ability to absorb and dissipate the energy of a sudden impact. This test involves dropping the helmet onto a fixed anvil at a specified velocity, and measuring the level of deceleration experienced by the test headform. The helmet must demonstrate the ability to limit the peak acceleration to a level that minimizes the risk of serious head injury.

In addition to the impact attenuation test, FMVSS 218 also establishes criteria for helmet retention systems, which are designed to keep the helmet securely in place on the rider's head during a crash. This includes requirements for the strength and stability of the chin strap and other attachment points, as well as the overall fit and comfort of the helmet.

The standard also addresses the helmet's penetration resistance, which is the ability to withstand the impact of a sharp object striking the outer shell. This is tested by dropping a pointed metal striker onto the helmet's surface at a specified velocity, ensuring that the helmet provides adequate protection against penetration.

To ensure compliance with FMVSS 218, helmet manufacturers must undergo a rigorous certification process, which involves submitting their products to independent testing laboratories for evaluation. Once a helmet model has been certified as meeting the standard's requirements, it can be legally sold and used on public roads in the United States.

The adoption and enforcement of FMVSS 218 has played a significant role in improving motorcycle safety and reducing the severity of head injuries sustained by riders. Studies have shown that the use of FMVSS 218-compliant helmets can significantly reduce the risk of fatality and serious head injury in the event of a crash.

Overall, FMVSS 218 is a critical piece of legislation that ensures the safety and well-being of motorcycle riders on American roads. By setting clear performance standards and testing procedures, this regulation helps to ensure that motorcycle helmets provide the necessary level of protection to save lives and prevent debilitating injuries.

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