| Snell Memorial Foundation |
Article Index for Snell |
Website Links For Memorial |
Information AboutSnell Memorial Foundation |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SNELL MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | |
| motorcycles | |
| motorcycle technology | |
| motorcycle safety | |
| auto racing equipment | |
| helmets | |
| safety clothing | |
| headgear | |
| protective gear | |
| sports clothing | |
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The Snell Memorial Foundation ('''SMF''') is a Not-for-profit Organization created to provide a high quality standard of safety for Helmets . Founded in 1957, SMF is named after William "Pete" Snell , a popular Sports Car Racer who died in 1956 of head injuries he received when the racing helmet he wore failed to protect his head. A group of friends, scientists, physicians, and others joined together to create a group that would promote research and education as well as test and develop standards to improve the effectiveness of helmets. TESTS In order to qualify for SMF certification, the helmet must pass a series of tests. The tests are determined depending on the application and the requirements of the standard. SAFETY Snell Standards significantly surpass those set by the U.S. Department Of Transportation (DOT), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASTM International (ASTM) and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission 's 16 CFR Part 1203. Snell Standards are updated about every five years. These updates are based on new scientific research and improved, available manufacturing technologies. As such, and in addition to other factors such as typical use wear and tear, Snell recommends that helmets be replaced approximately every five years to ensure good safety. CONTROVERSY In an in-depth magazine articleDexter Ford and (photog) Jim Brown. Motorcycle Helmet Performance: Blowing the Lid Off: Searching for the truth behind motorcycle helmet design, helmet standards and actual head protection Motorcyclist Magazine June 2005 discussing helmet testing and safety, SMF came under some pressure from prominent head injury and helmet design experts, including Dr. Harry Hurt, author of the Hurt Report , who described the Snell standards as "a little bit excessive" in reference to the extremely high standard of results the Foundation requires. The article reported that a softer absorption material would transfer less G Force to the head in the most common motorcycle accidents than the stiffer absorption material found in some Snell-Certified helmets. SMF released a technical critique and rebuttal [http://www.smf.org/response.html] to the article which is available at their website. REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS |
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