Impact-absorbing helmets (as opposed to bulletproof helmets) are designed to absorb as much as possible of the force acting on the head during an impact, thereby cushioning the blow. The aim is to protect the head as effectively as possible against concussion or even a fatal impact. By absorbing the impact energy, the EPS helmet shell is compressed or may even break. Roughly speaking, under the applicable standard a lightweight helmet must be able to "absorb" at least 3/4 of the specified impact force. This means that under laboratory conditions, a maximum of 1/4 of the original impact force may reach the head. Depending on the intended use and the standard, other important factors are of course also tested, such as penetration resistance: in slope accidents, ski poles, for example, pose a potential danger to the skier, which is why the ski helmet is tested to determine whether it can withstand penetration.
Image reference: Thanks to the mountain biker from Hungary for the submitted images, who survived a head-on collision on uneven terrain at a speed of 40 km/h without head injuries! We wish him a speedy recovery and are glad that the bike helmet did an excellent job here!
