Lawrence of Arabia Helped Helmet History

A helmet is a type of protective headgear used to shield the head from injury. Helmets are used in certain occupations and recreational activities that may put an individual at risk from falling objects or impact. Helmets are used by soldiers, construction workers and firefighters as well as in sports like football, hockey and baseball. Helmets are also used by race car drivers and motorcycle riders. Helmets can prevent or reduce head injuries, and may even save a rider's life.

It is believed that the first riding helmet was developed following a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of T. E. Lawrence – a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia. Hugh Cairns was one of the doctors who treated Lawrence following his accident. He conducted a thorough study of motorcycle accident fatalities which led to the use of crash helmets by both military and civilian motorcyclists. Helmets have been found to greatly reduce injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents.

Because of this, many countries and most U.S. states have laws requiring helmet use while riding motorcycles and even while riding bicycles in many instances. Check with your local motor vehicle authority to see what type of helmet your state requires, if any.

Early motorcycle and auto racing helmets were little more than thinly-padded strips of leather. They didn't offer much protection in severe impacts. As our interest in safety has increased, helmets have evolved. Modern helmets provide considerable head protection even in high-speed crashes. The type of riding you intend on doing will generally lead you to the proper type of helmet for your needs.

Helmets are generally made up of two parts – a hard exterior shell and a softer inner core. The hard exterior protects the head and skull from abrasions and penetration by foreign objects. The softer inner core is generally made of a polystyrene or polypropylene foam that deforms to absorb the stresses to the head in an impact.

To judge the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets, there are certain standards that a manufacturer must meet. Motorcycle helmet standards are different around the world, but one of the most well-known is the standard established by Snell. Developed to meet the extra strict requirements of racing, the Snell Memorial Foundation offers certification that is considered to be the industry standard.

Whatever standard they are built to, helmets are only effective when they have their chin straps properly fastened and if they are intact. You will eventually need to replace even the best helmet over time, especially if it is damaged. Helmets are generally designed to break in a crash in order to dissipate the energy that would otherwise transfer to the rider's skull. Because of this, helmets should be discarded after an accident and even after other impacts, such as being dropped. Even if there has been no impact, experts say that you should plan on replacing your helmet every three to four years.