Motorbike helmets recalled as they might fall off during a collision

The Torc T55.2 motorcycle half-helmet has been recalled by manufacturers after concerns they can come off in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer H&H Sports Protection issued a recall with regulators in March 2017 for 7,506 potentially dangerous helmets which may be unsafe as they may not stay securely fastened to the rider’s head during a collision; potentially rendering a motorcyclist vulnerable to serious head injuries that could have otherwise been prevented or reduced in severity.

Around 51% of the manufactured helmets are thought to be affected but regulators are reportedly not taking any risks and have recalled all units produced between 1^st April 2015 and 26 October 2016.

The defect was found during several crash tests being conducted. Regulators said:

“Torc T-55 V2 helmets restraints can separate while under load, this helmet may not be safe to wear for protection against accidents due to the defects in the shell and the EPS of the shell.”

When the potential defect was identified, regulators informed H&H that the helmets were failing to protect riders. H&H have responded by ordering all of their manufacturers to stop making and selling affected helmets as well as recalling those that had already been sold. As it cannot be identified which sizes of the helmets have been affected, all of them have been recalled and suspended from sale.

Customers to be informed

Customers are to be informed of the recall by email and offered a “full refund or a replacement helmet of equal value”. The decision is up to the customer.

H&H and its manufacturers are set to be conducting all sorts of testing before they produce sale-worthy helmets again. This includes testing the materials and components to ensure that the helmets will stay put and withstand impact. All of the tests must meet or exceed testing standards.

Not the only potentially dangerous helmets on the market

H&H are not the only ones to take a hit on their reputation for selling potentially dangerous helmets. The Zox Nano helmets were also recalled not long ago for failing similar safety regulations. This recall was issued on the 6^th April earlier this year for also failing to provide adequate protection for the rider. However, the number of helmets is a fraction of the H&H helmets with only 828 affected, but it’s still nevertheless potentially dangerous for bikers.

The Zox Nano helmets made by Strategic Sports were reportedly made of a weaker material that could not withstand impact on the same spot more than once. Owners have been notified and offered full refunds.

The importance of motorbike helmets

It’s absolutely imperative that motorcyclists wear helmets when on the roads. During a collision, the only thing between a hard surface and a fragile skull is a helmet. Motorcyclists who put their faith in helmets for protection are essentially putting their lives into the hands of the manufacturer, and there is an important duty of care to ensure that the helmets are safe for use.