Question about helmets and safety

[slngsht]

I just bought my son a DOT helmet. The purpose is mostly to keep the wind out of his eyes and ears, so he can enjoy the ride more.



I can't help but think that the helmet is pretty heavy, and with even a light jolt, he may hurt his neck. What type of devices are available to protect against this?

[xflow7]

I would think a neck collar would be the most appropriate solution if you're worried about it. Something like:



http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=9307

[slngsht]

Thanks. That looks like it reduces the weight the neck supports vertically. I'm worried about an impact, and the weight the neck has to support through the jolt (fore and aft or side load)

[xflow7]

I'm not sure, but I think you'll find a collar like that will reduce fore/aft and lateral loading as well. AFAIK they serve in large part to support the bottom of the helmet to resist motion back and forth or side to side, and thus reduce loading on the neck, IYSWIM.



I think the next step beyond that would be something like a HANS or Hutchens device, which I would think would be overkill for road-use and may come with other attendant difficulties.



I'm not aware of anything other than those devices for controlling head movement. I don't think you'd want to attempt to improvise something or use anything not already approved for race and/or road use for fear of introducing some unintended consequence in the event of an accident.



Anyway, this is really all speculation on my part, so you should probably just ignore me.   http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

[slngsht]

I agree, HANS device would be overkill.



I just wanted to make sure there is no common practice out there for all those folks who strap their 7 year old in a Seven, with a helmet on http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

[Al Navarro]

As one other Se7en who straps his 6 and 9 year olds (not simultaneously, of course) into the car occassionally, with helmets, I've though about this too. I worry more about the little one than her older sister.



I'll look into those neck collars.



One point I will make is that Laura's Mag-8 is much lighter than either the Kid's Bell Star 500 or my Schuberth. And I've thought about getting the kids an XS Mag-8...although the multi-size fit pads on the Bell are pretty cool.

[Catie]

Mazda, I have a neck collar you can have. Only problem is I leave for the Runoffs Thursday AM, so you would have to pick it up tonight, tomorrow afternoon/evening, or when I return.

[slngsht]

Chris, Thanks very much for the offer. I'll drop you a note after you come back. I'm sure you are busy getting ready. I'll drop by with my son, and we can try and see if it fits him.



Thanks again.

[Catie]

I'm off to see the Wizard http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

I'll let you know when I return.