Eleven helmets, sourced by Alliance member NGOs in ten countries, were taken to an accredited laboratory for testing against three core tests that are common to many helmet standards, including UN Regulation No.22 (ECE 22.06). None of the helmets passed all tests. In fact, only one helmet passed any of the three tests.
We spoke to some of the NGOs who sourced the helmets that were tested to get their reaction to the results.
“Because it is a helmet commonly used in Bouaké, even though it does not provide adequate protection. Many serious accidents have been observed even though the driver was wearing this type of helmet.” Massandje Yasmine Kone, OIJSER, Cote d’Ivoire
“I brought this one to Morocco because it’s sold as a “standard” helmet in Ethiopia, even though the tests proved otherwise. When I’ve discussed the results with riders and officials, reactions have been all over the place some shrugged it off, but others were genuinely shocked. Many still trust these helmets to protect them, which is worrying.” Mesganaw Bimrew, Save the Nation, Ethiopia
“I chose the helmet because it is the most popular and cheapest helmet used in Ghana by the motor riders.” Frank Yirenki, CRSA-Africa, Ghana
“It is one of the most commonly used helmet and knowing its level of protection would be important to our advocacy work.” Bright Oywaya, ASIRT Kenya
“I wanted to buy a helmet from a reknown seller with good reviews at the 2nd online shopping place in Mexico (Mercado Libre).” Sajidh de la Cruz, Refleacciona, Mexico
“We are not surprised because we have already witnessed the damage caused by its lack of effectiveness.” Massandje Yasmine Kone, OIJSER, Cote d’Ivoire
“These substandard helmets are everywhere in the local market, selling for around US$12. Sadly, the lab results weren’t surprising safety standards here often seem like a checkbox exercise rather than a real priority.” Mesganaw Bimrew, Save the Nation, Ethiopia
” I am not surprised because of the cost itself. It cost around US$19 dollars.” Frank Yirenki, CRSA-Africa, Ghana
“I actually did not know that the helmet did not pass but if it did not, I would not be surprised because we do not have a helmet testing facility. This makes enforcement very difficult. There has also been general information about the existence of sub standard helmets in the country.” Bright Oywaya, ASIRT Kenya
“I was not surprised because the helmet felt flimsy and I even had to finish it screwing the bolts by myself when I got it.” Sajidh de la Cruz, Refleacciona, Mexico
“The national road safety authority office in Ghana and the Ghana standard authority. The national road safety authority is the regulator of road safety while the standard authority is in charge of good standards of any material or items imported into the country.” Frank Yirenki, CRSA-Africa, Ghana
“First, the Kenya Bureau of Standards. This is because they are the ones mandated to ensure standards. It would be great to appreciate whether these kinds of helmets pass the Kenyan Standard test. Secondly, the National Transport and Safety Authority who are the Lead Agency in charge of safety. It will also be important to share with the National Helmet Coalition who have been advocating for safe helmet wearing. It will finally be important to share with other NGOs for advocacy purposes.” Bright Oywaya, ASIRT Kenya
“I will share this results with the Mexican NGO ITDP because we have worked together in pushing for better Mexican normative for helmets.” Sajidh de la Cruz, Refleacciona, Mexico
“The standard is not checked because the authority itself doesn’t have the equipment to check such standards. Another issue is the cost of standard helmets, which are not affordable for the riders.” Frank Yirenki, CRSA-Africa, Ghana
“The inability to test helmets is a pressing issue. The low level of enforcement which is partly due to the lack of testing and also lack of capacity.” Bright Oywaya, ASIRT Kenya
“A few big reasons: Cost: Safe helmets are just too expensive for most people; Profit motives: Sellers prioritize cheap imports over safety; Lax enforcement: The Standards Agency doesn’t seem to inspect imports rigorously enough.” Mesganaw Bimrew, Save the Nation, Ethiopia
“The increase in usage because of an increase in motorcycles. Platforms like Didi and Uber are offering motorcycle rides and people are dying.” Sajidh de la Cruz, Refleacciona, Mexico
