SCCA Helmet Safety Advisory! (re: full face helmets)

[EricF]

"...
DATE: November 16, 2004
FROM: National Staff
TO: All Participants
SUBJECT: Airbag Advisory
It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use
of full-face or closed-face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag
restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys
the airbag. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to a
driver’s position, the airbag axis is on a level with the driver’s chin. In a
crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full-face
helmet can be so powerful “that the risk of fractures to the jaw cannot be
ruled out“ (Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3/AF, 18.5.1999). This applies
to vehicle that may be used in Solo, RallyCross, High Performance Car
Control Clinics, etc.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in
vehicles with functional airbag systems. Potentially more restrictive language
is currently being considered for 2005, which could appear in an early 2005
issue of FasTrack. If you have any questions, please contact the SCCA at
(800) 770-2055."

Link to PDF file of notice
http://www.rmsolo.org/PDF_Forms/PB%2005-01%20Airbag%20Advisory.pdf

[sonza68]

I saw this over on solo2.org. Hopefully it stays a recommendation and doesn't force me to go out and buy a new helmet.

[GuidoThePenguin]

Dont most cars have an option to disarm the airbag system?

[reptar]

I saw this on a different site too. I guess I don't really understand how wearing a full face helmet is going to make an impact with an airbag worse. Are they thinking that chin bar would force the helmet up and the strap would break your jaw?

It's technically not legal to disable your airbag system in Stock class or STS... it is OK in Street Prepared though.

[TLMotorsport]

The advisory has (apparantly/supposedly) removed from the SCCA website

[sonza68]

Originally posted by: reptar
It's technically not legal to disable your airbag system in Stock class or STS... it is OK in Street Prepared though.

Couldn't you remove the fuse or insert a blown fuse to disable the airbags and still remain stock legal? There'd be no performance benefit so I figured it would fall under the comfort and convenience rules.