Helmet safety is a must when riding motorcycles

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Daniels
  • USAFE Mishap Prevention Manager
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  It's a taste of heaven - the sun is out. There's a gentle breeze. The road is calling you to an absolutely perfect day to ride your motorcycle. Your bike is all shined up. Your gas tank is full. You're ready. Call up your riding buddy and away you go. But, wait - don't forget your helmet! That's the most important part of your riding gear.

In fact, did you know that your Department of Transportation approved motorcycle helmet may not be in compliance with the Economic Commission for Europe standards of your host country? We at U.S. Air Force in Europe do, and we'd like to share that information with you. In fact, U.S. personnel wearing helmets which only meet U.S. DOT standards are not in compliance with the laws of most countries in Europe. Motorcycle operators are subject to fines in those countries for non-compliance.

The disparity between U.S. and European motorcycle helmet safety standards was recently identified by the USAFE legal review of the Status of Forces Agreement. According to Randy Harshman, [USAFE] NATO Legal Affairs and Chief, International Law special assistant, "U.S. military personnel, members of the civilian component, and the dependents of both are generally fully subject to host nation laws where they are stationed (including motor vehicle laws) ...."

First and foremost, we hope the revelation of the legal requirement to wear ECE 22.05 certified helmets, and our efforts to widely publicize this information, will result in a greater level of protection by ruling out the wear of the minimally protective half-helmets. After all, the purpose of these standards is to reduce deaths and injuries of motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users resulting from head impacts. The new ruling should serve a secondary purpose of easing border crossings to ensure our riders are legally sufficient wherever they ride within Europe.

So, how does this ruling effect motorcycle riders with U.S. DOT approved or Snell Memorial Foundation certified helmets or individuals PCSing to Europe? Simply put, the NATO SOFA does not provide exceptions for the wear of motorcycle helmets therefore, members who ride without an ECE 22.05 certified helmet are not in compliance with the rules of the road in most European countries.

Don't worry, it's not all bad. The good news is that some U.S. DOT approved helmets are "dual" DOT and ECE certified. Although many Web sites offer information on DOT, Snell and ECE certification, we recommended that you contact your helmet manufacturer for definitive certification.

Contact your wing Safety Office at 676-7233 for information on ECE approved markings on protective helmets. 

For many, the fresh air and freedom of the open road is an irresistible and enjoyable draw to motorcycling. You should not have to worry about whether you will get a ticket or have to explain to your supervisor or commander why you were not in compliance. Research before you buy and learn all the facts. Don't buy a motorcycle helmet based simply on perceived image or marketing hype. Remember, helmets are the single most effective means of preventing these injuries.

  • The changes in short were driven by non-compliance with host nation law. Following a fatal motorcycle crash investigation, legal and safety reviews of motorcycle personal protective equipment requirements were conducted and revealed U.S. DOT certified helmets were not legal in most of our host nations in accordance with the SOFA and host nation law -- our personnel were in violation of the law. 

  • It is applicable across the command to ensure our people are legal when crossing borders. 

  • There wasn't a "hidden agenda" to outlaw so called half helmets (a.k.a. brain buckets, Bennies, turtle shells) Under DOT and therefore Department of Defense instructions and Air Force Instructions, many half helmets are legal for USAFE personnel to wear. However, they cannot be certified under ECE 22.05 and personnel wearing them are in violation of host nation's law. 

  • ECE certification is the most common certification in the world -- it is mandatory and recognized in over 50 countries world-wide. It is the standard in Europe; therefore they are readily available in a broad range of models, sizes and colors. 

  • You can tell if a helmet is ECE certified if the helmet has a label on the inside or stamped markings on the chin strap indicating it is ECE 22.05 certified. 

  • In today's competitive and international market, most major motorcycle helmet manufactures certify to both DOT and ECE 22.05 standards -- these are the two most common standards. Therefore, there is a good chance your helmet meets or has been certified to ECE 22.05 standards. While there are some differences, DOT and ECE certification requirements are largely compatible. However, often the markings or labeling are specific to the national or regional market. For example, a DOT certification sticker would mean little to nothing to people in Ireland, but they would recognize national or ECE certification markings. If you have a brand-name full face or three fourth DOT certified helmet and it was manufactured within the last five years, there is a very good chance the manufacturer has also had it certified to ECE standards. Your chances are even greater if the manufacturer submitted it to the Snell Memorial Foundation and received a certification. Due to the sheer number of manufacturers and the variety of models it is impossible to provide a comprehensive list. If your helmet does not have the ECE label, contact your helmet manufacturer to verify if your helmet meets ECE certification. 

  • Withstanding half-helmets: there is no external visible means for law enforcement that would indicate a helmet is or is not ECE certified. Therefore a citation -- barring a stop and a visual inspection -- is highly unlikely. However, it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the law. As indicated, you should consult your helmet manufacturer and get a proof of certification from them. 

  • ECE is a mandatory level of certification required by certain nations. Snell certification is not a national standard, it is a certification sought by helmet manufactures as a premier testing standard. Snell certification is one of the most stringent; if a helmet achieves this level of certification it would almost certainly exceed ECE standards. That said, they are not commensurate and the helmet must still bear the ECE label or you must have proof from the manufacturer that your helmet has been tested for and received ECE certification. 

  • If you have a half-helmet you will have to buy a new one. Another perspective...people bringing in U.S. spec cars into the United Kingdom often have to spend money to have their cars retrofitted to comply with UK requirements, for example light kits. Upon Permanent Change of Station back to the U.S., they must convert the vehicle back to US specs. This is done at personal expense. Another example, prior to wide-spread use of unleaded gasoline in Europe, personnel had to remove catalytic converts from their cars and then have them re-installed upon return to the US. Like 220 voltage appliances, this is one of the adjustments a tour of duty overseas brings. This is just one reason personnel assigned overseas receive dislocation allowance and other special pay and allowances. 

  • Motorcycle PPE is specified in AFI 91-207, the authoritative change will be embedded in the USAFE supplement to this AFI; currently it is in a Guidance Memorandum at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/pubfiles/usafe/91/afi91-207_usafesup/usafegm91-1.pdf. The memorandum was posted on June 1; therefore enforcement of the change will take place approximately July 1. Steps are also being taken to embed this policy change into sponsorship information for in-bound personnel. Obvious and blatant offenders (personnel wearing half-helmets) will be easily spotted. Like all rules, regulations and laws, it is each individual's personal responsibility to know and comply with the requirement -- this is consistent with our core values. Offenders risk the expected consequences associated with violation of any law. 
It is essential that all personnel know and comply with the laws, regulations and customs of our host countries; equally important is protecting our personnel from harm. This change addresses both issues by bringing us into line with HN laws and requiring the use of the most widely recognized helmet certification standard in the world.