Automotive racing safety standards have come a long way. However, helmet technology will take another step forward as manufacturers begin to offer a new generation of helmets designed to meet the new Snell Foundation 2010 certification standard. This new standard, which incorporates a radical shift in the way that helmets are tested and constructed, will result in helmets that are both much lighter and much safer than ever before. In order to understand what this new standard will mean to you, here is a brief overview of changes you can expect to see.
Head Form = Circumference
A= 50 cm
C= 52 cm
E= 54 cm
J= 57 cm
M= 60 cm
O= 62 mm
The biggest change in the new helmet safety standard is they are going to adopt variable head form sizes. In prior Snell standards, they tested the helmets using a standard sized “dummy” head with a standard circumference to mimic the size, shape and weight of a human head. The new 2010 standard is going to require a number of variable head forms that will better approximate the cubic mass and circumference relationship of various head sizes. Everyone obviously does not have the same head size, so Snell is requiring the manufacturers to create six different head forms to test.
Every helmet size will be a little more unique. Manufacturers are going to have to change construction somewhat between sizes in a given model and this is requiring them to look at new, advanced shell construction methods to give them as light a weight shell as possible that’s also as strong as possible. For each helmet tested, it is dropped twice and there are different criteria for the first and second drops depending on head form size.
Since the helmets will be properly sized to the actual head geometry of the racer, it’s going to be a better helmet because it’s not going to shift or move during an impact.
With advances in head and neck restraint systems (HNR),such as the HANS Device, the new Snell standard will have a component that will test for compatibility of the helmet shell with the HNR. The attachment anchor points (where the device attaches to the helmet) will require proper reinforcement in those areas to withstand lateral shear force that they may see in an impact. Manufacturers will most likely view the helmets and HNR as part of an overall driver safety system.
Snell introduces new helmet ratings every five years. If you have an SA2005 helmet, it should be compatible for some time to come. When the SA2005 standard was introduced, most sanctioning bodies started phasing out the use of SA95 helmets. For those that will be interested in getting one of the new SA2010 rated helmets, availability from manufacturers will most likely begin in October 2010 and be phased in throughout 2011.
If you would like to read more about Snell testing and standards, you can visit their website at www.smf.org.
You can also access the latest information about helmets on the market by visiting www.apexperformance.net.
Author Resource:
Linda J. Powell, managing partner for Apex Performance, has numerous years of experience in motorsports & holds a competition-racing license. She performs safety-training classes at driving events & keep customers informed about the latest racing safety updates. http://www.apexperformance.net
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