If you drop your motorcycle helmet, do you have to buy a new one or does it still protect you?

You are going to leave the house in a hurry and, before getting on the motorcycle, your helmet falls to the ground. At first, it seems to you that the impact has been slight and, furthermore, no major damage can be seen. You decide not to give it any more importance, button it up and head out onto the road as you planned. Can this be done? Mistake! The helmet is the main element of passive safety for motorcyclists and is essential to avoid head injuries in the event of a traffic accident.

Motorcycle helmets are made up of an outer part or shell that protects the head from scratches caused by an accident. The interior part has in its structure a layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) responsible for absorbing the energy of a possible impact, with the aim of reducing or neutralizing the damage that our head may suffer. If the helmet is hit or dropped, it must be stopped and replaced with a new one. And, even though the damage is not visible, this safety element is designed to work only once.

A fall from a considerable height can jeopardize the integrity of a helmet’s structure. Although it may not show obvious signs of damage, the helmet can suffer microfractures or deformations that can compromise the safety function entrusted to motorcyclists. The shell that covers it—usually made of plastic or carbon or glass fibers—can become scratched or cracked, which can affect its ability to slide on the pavement and cushion some of the impact in an accident.

But it is undoubtedly the inner part that would not withstand a second impact. This layer composed of expanded polystyrene foam and other materials would break upon impact and its properties would be very limited. In the event of an accident, the helmet would not be able to absorb the impact and the rider’s head could even be exposed. That is why it is recommended that, in the event of a blow or fall to the helmet, no matter how slight, it is rendered useless for the benefit of our safety.

It is recommended that motorcyclists ride with a full-face helmet, as they are lightweight and consist of a single piece that provide protection to the entire head. This type of helmet also guarantees comfortable driving for all types of road motorcycles.

Motorcyclists should wear a helmet of the appropriate size and always wear it securely fastened to support the face and chin. It is important to consider the expiration date of these elements, which is generally set at five years, even if it has not been dropped.