| Subject: | Guest Response: Which Helmet Is Safest? | ||
| From: | Rick Salazar | Response To: | 101 Which Helmet Is Safest? |
| Date: | 3/4/2008; 1:46 AM | Comments: | 0 |
| Categories: | Politics of Riding, Safety | ||
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After reading the Sunday, March 2nd, Muddy Waters blog titled "Which Helmet Is Safest" I did a little research to find out the AMA's position and recommendation on safe helmets, and helmet testing. Boy did I come away surprised. So much so, that I feel compelled to hijack this thread away from helmets and onto the AMA's part in helmet safety. I went to the AMA rule book for help, here's what I found.
E. Competition Apparel
It is the sole responsibility of the rider to select a helmet and apparel which will provide appropriate protection. The AMA does not endorse or certify any manufacturers or products. The rider must rely on his own judgment in the selection of any helmet and apparel for durability and safety.
I was surprised to discover that not only has the AMA not been at the forefront of motorcycle helmet safety but their involvement has been almost been non-existent. In over 80 years that the AMA has been in existance, they have played almost no part in helmet developement. In fact at this time they are soliciting for DONATIONS to fund a US study. The helmet study is expected to only cost less than $6 million of which the Feds will pay half. The question that comes to mind, as why didn't the AMA fund this study years and years ago? Why doesn't the AMA use some of the pile of money they collect from sanctioning Supercross to fund such studies?
Unless I have it all wrong, I thought the mission statement of the American Motorcyclist Association is to "protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists while serving the needs of its members."
If the AMA isn't taking action or funding studies to protect the motorcycle riding public, what good is the AMA? Frankly, I am astounded at the inaction of the AMA on an issue that affects all riders, racers, and parents of riders and racers. So what have they been doing all these years? I'm not really sure, but it doesn't really seem like they have been serving the needs of its membership.