This just came out from SCCA, but if they do it, FCA and other groups will likely follow. =========================== Important Helmet Rule Change From SCCA DATE: November 16, 2004 FROM: National Staff TO: All Participants SUBJECT: Airbag Advisory It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use of full-face or closed-face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys the airbag. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to a drivers position, the airbag axis is on a level with the drivers chin. In a crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full-face helmet can be so powerful that the risk of fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled out (Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3/AF, 18.5.1999). This applies to vehicle that may be used in Solo, RallyCross, High Performance Car Control Clinics, etc. Therefore, it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in vehicles with functional airbag systems. Potentially more restrictive language is currently being considered for 2005, which could appear in an early 2005 issue of FasTrack. If you have any questions, please contact the SCCA at (800) 770-2055.
Saw that, Mike. The research is from 1999, before a lot of the dual-force airbags were installed as OEM equipment. I hope & suspect that sane groups like PCA, etc will see the benefits of a full face helmet in a collision as outweighing questionable research from 1999 on equipment that was already then being phased out. Just my $0.02..
I don't know how questionable the research is or isn't... but in any case I suppose they want one ruling to apply to all cars, whether modern dual-force airbags or older versions. To me, it's "intuitive" that a full-face helmet is most likely to protect better in a variety of situations.
I also feel the full face helmet outweighs the risks, even though my GT4 and most track Ferraris don't have the airbags to worry about. I actually just bought a new Bieffe full face helmet.
What helmet ar most people using for car racing now. I see Bieffe offers aa good helmet as well as Arai. I am using an old Shoei from my motorcycle days and feel I need a new helmet. Any suggestions? Thanks
Thats a bunch of crap. It's obvious they did not do there homework on this situation. A fullface helmet is mucher safer with or without airbags.
And the homework YOU'VE done on this is published where? The interpretation at my employer is that there's a concern about neck injuries from airbags deploying from UNDER the helmet. I just plan on not hitting anything.
What are the chances of your face/neck area being lined up under where the bag would deploy? Versus having the safety of a full face helmet and deployment in your face like 95% of the time it deploys. Please. It's like saying I shouldn't wear my seatbelt because I might crash in a river and sink and won't be able to get it off before I drown. I'll take the fullface and bags any day of the week. I have witnessed first hand hundreds of motor vehicle crashes with and w/o airbag deployment. With belts w/o belts.
And how many of those crashes were wearing helmets? Why don't you share with us some research on accidents with helmets and airbags that suggests it's NOT an issue? The odds of having your helmet and your airbag lined up? Well it oughta be near 100% unless you're wearing your helmet and digging around for your cellphone in the passenger footwell when you crash. I can assure everyone here that my employer's safety council is aware that we have dual stage airbags now, but they still, just recently released a suggestion that open faced helmets be used with airbags. Since everyone here is dealing with production cars, you can feel free to evaluate the likelyhood of actually hitting something. On a road course? You never know...
Just my luck...I bought a new helmet Friday and it's on it's way via UPS! Wanted to send it to Mike for painting.....
I can see the argument but I would think that with most modern airbaged cars you can turn off the airbag. I know I can on my Hummer, then that is not a fun ride on the track " and there comes the H2 full blast down the front straight at 75 Miles and hour, getting a fuel efficient 2 Miles per Gallon"
I'm still working on my first cup of joe so bear with me. But how does wearing a full face helmet make this worse? If the bag is going to pop you in chin, I would think that the full face helmet would absorb some of the blow. Dale
I had actually found out about this SCCA ruling from a Corvette racer who is sending me his new open face helmet and wants it painted to match his full-face helmet. I personally have *both* open-face and full-face SA2000 helmets and do use both. The open-face is much more comfortable to use, but I feel more protected in the full-face helmet. In any case Frank, I'd be glad to customize yours for you! Thanks for thinking about me. Mike Charness www.helmet-painting.com
Talking about safety, I thought it was not allowed to paint helmets as the paint can affect the surface of the helmet, making it unsave. I think that is why Schumacher has stick-on decals on his helmet? Unless you are using special harmless paint. Just inquiring, as I'm just repeating some old vague info I have, maybe it was in the instruction sheet that came with my old cheap helmet that said, never paint it with any paint.
Schumacher's helmets *are* painted. Because he has so MANY helmets (one for each race and several for practices) they use the decals as a matter of convenience during the customization process, but those are put on after color coats and under final clearcoats. Newer helmets do not have instructions about "never paint"... and in fact, most have instructions telling you what kinds of paint to use, and Bell even includes extra decals so they can be reapplied after custom painting! From Bellracing.com's site: It is ok to paint my helmet? We would recommend using a professional painter who specializes in painting auto racing helmets. Use acrylic enamels and avoid lacquer paints. Never allow solvent or paint to come in contact with the inner liner as they contain chemicals that can cause serious damage. We also strongly recommend trying on the helmet to make sure the size is correct prior to sending it to a custom helmet painter.
