The Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) is run by a consortium of government agencies and motorist organisations who share a common interest in improving motorcycle safety.
CRASH provides helmet buyers independent and consistent information on the levels of protection from injury in a crash provided by motorcycle helmets and the comfort level of the helmet.
The program is supported by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) (Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority)), the NRMA Motoring & Services, and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Visit the CRASH website www.crash.org.au
Helmet law
The NSW Road Rules 2008 requires that:
- The rider of a motorcycle must wear an approved motorcycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider’s head,
- The rider of a motorcycle must not ride with a passenger unless the passenger is wearing an approved motorcycle helmet.
Helmet standard
An approved motorcycle helmet is a protective helmet for motorcycle riders of a type that:
- Complies with Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1698:2006 Protective Helmets For Vehicle Users, as amended by Amendment No. 1 of 28 September 2007 and Amendment No. 2 of 27 May 2009; or
- Is an earlier version of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1698 or Australian Standard 1698-1988 that was in force at the time of manufacture or importation; and
- Has a mark certifying compliance with an above standard.
Motorcycle helmets manufactured after 31 March 2011 must have an identifying mark from a body accredited or approved by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) certifying compliance with an above standard.
Accredited companies
Accredited companies that certify motorcycle helmets can be found on the JAS-ANZ website.
As of October 2010, there are four JAS-ANZ accredited bodies that can certify motorcycle helmets to comply with AS/NZS 1698.
Choosing the safest helmet for you
Follow the guidelines below to ensure that you are choosing the safest helmet for you and using it correctly.
- All helmets sold in Australia must comply with the Australian Standard and are marked accordingly.
- Consider the protection and comfort of the helmet.
- Choose a light coloured helmet which will offer better visibility to other vehicle drivers by day and night.
- You should not purchase a second-hand helmet, as it may have been involved in a crash or have experienced UV degradation, nor should you lend your helmet to others, as it can affect how the helmet fits your head when returned.
- Remember – helmets are produced in a range of sizes to satisfy a mass market. Your head shape and size are unique to you, so take the time to follow these steps when purchasing your new helmet.
Step 1 Have your head size measured before you try on a helmet.
Measure around the largest part of your head just above the ears, taking the measurement at the forehead.
The measurement will correspond to a particular size in the model range you are interested in.
This is a good starting point. If you want a particular brand or model, do not be tempted to go for another size if yours is out of stock – wait and get the correct size.
Step 2 Once you have the helmet in the recommended size, place it firmly onto your head. Secure the chin-strap so that you can fit two fingers between it and your jaw.
If the helmet has a quick release buckle, take time to adjust the strap.
Once fitted, you should be able to feel the inside of the helmet against all parts of your head.
Once you are happy, wear the helmet for a few minutes to make sure it is comfortable.
Step 3 Try to rotate the helmet from side to side with the strap secured.
Make sure the helmet does not rotate on your head.
The cheek-pads should provide a firm, comfortable fit.
Next tilt the helmet forward and back.
It should stay in position and not move. If it slips forward or back it is the wrong size and you will need to choose a different helmet.
Step 4 Finally, check that the helmet won’t come off easily. Tilt your head forward and have someone try to roll the helmet off your head by carefully applying an upward force to the rear of the helmet at its base.
If it can be rolled off in the showroom with the chin-strap done up, it will most likely come off in a crash.