Helmet Testing

• Testing for compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, under contract to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. HPRL staff tests large numbers of motorcycle helmets selected by NHTSA for investigation of compliance, then reports the results for evaluation by NHTSA for possible enforcement action. Data from these tests are preserved for further analysis of helmet test performance.
  
  
• Testing for various manufacturers of bicycle and motorcycle helmets for compliance with DOT, Snell, ASTM, ANSI, CPSC, BSI, etc., standards. HPRL staff tests large numbers of helmets submitted by manufacturers who do not have such extensive laboratory facilities, or who need comparison or confirmation of their own laboratory test results. In this way HPRL tests great varieties of bicycle and motorcycle helmets as well as specialized helmets for winter sports, equestrian sports, aviation, etc. Complete reports are prepared and submitted to the sponsor, and privacy of the reports is guaranteed by the "sanitizing" of the test records after acceptance of the reports by the sponsor. While HPRL will maintain the test records for research purposed, the sanitizing of the test results insures the privacy of the sponsor in development of their products.
  
  
• Testing, evaluation and development of prototype helmet configurations. HPRL staff has the advantage of many, many years of experience in helmet technology and helmet testing. This experience allows HPRL to provide special evaluation of new designs and new products, which may be introducing new materials into the market. This extensive experience offers the prospect of reduced costs in a development cycle and the advantage of reduced exposure to product liability litigation.