CRASH-tested for your safety
CRASH is run by a consortium of government agencies and a motorist organisation that share a common interest in improving motorcycle safety.
CRASH provides helmet buyers with independent and consistent information on the levels of protection from injury in a crash provided by motorcycle helmets, as well as the comfort level of the helmet.
The program is funded by Transport for New South Wales, State Insurance Regulatory Authority, and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Choosing the right helmet
Helmets reduce the severity of head injuries, the likelihood of death, permanent disability, and time spent recuperating from injury.
Follow the guidelines below to ensure that you are choosing the safest helmet for you and know how to use it correctly:
- All motorcycle helmets used on NSW roads must comply with AS/NZS 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 22 and be labelled accordingly.
- Consider the protection and comfort ratings provided by CRASH.
- Choose a light-coloured helmet. They offer better visibility to other vehicle drivers both during the day and at night.
- You should not purchase a second-hand helmet, as it may have been involved in a crash or have experienced UV degradation. There may be little external evidence that a motorcycle helmet has received a very forceful impact. Helmets should be disposed of carefully to avoid re-use. It is recommended that straps are cut off, or the helmet is cut in half before disposal.
Also, it's not a good idea to lend your helmet to others, as it can affect how the helmet fits your head when returned.
Getting the right fit
Remember, helmets are produced in a range of sizes to satisfy a mass market. Your head shape and size are unique to you, so take the time to follow the steps below when purchasing your new helmet.
Measure up
Have your head size measured before you try on a helmet. Measure around the largest part of your head just above the ears, taking the measurement at the forehead. The measurement will correspond to a particular size in the model range you are interested in. This is a good starting point. If you want a particular brand or model, do not be tempted to go for another size if yours is out of stock wait and get the correct size. Refer to the table below to convert head circumference to helmet size (please note this is a guide only).
| Head Circumference (cm) | Size |
| 51 – 52 | XXS |
| 53 – 54 | XS |
| 55 – 56 | S |
| 57 – 58 | M |
| 59 – 60 | X |
| 61 – 62 | XL |
| 63 – 64 | XXL |
Helmet fit
Once you have the helmet in the recommended size, place it firmly onto your head and secure the chinstrap. If the helmet has a quick-release buckle, take the time to adjust the strap. Once fitted, you should be able to feel the inside of the helmet against all parts of your head. Once you are happy, wear the helmet for a few minutes to make sure it is comfortable.
Check for slippage
Try to rotate the helmet from side to side with the strap secured. The helmet should not rotate on your head. The cheek-pads should provide a firm, comfortable fit. Next, tilt the helmet forward and back. It should stay in position and not move. If it slips forward or backwards it is the wrong size and you will need to choose a different helmet.
Can it come off?
Finally, check that the helmet won't come off easily in a crash. Tilt your head forward and have someone try to roll the helmet off your head by carefully applying an upward force to the rear of the helmet at its base. If it can be rolled off in the showroom with the chinstrap done up, it will most probably come off in a crash.
Looking after your helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece of safety protection you'll need when riding a motorcycle. You never know when it may be called upon, so look after it.
A motorcycle helmet generally has a life of around five years; three years if used regularly. To get the most out of the protection your motorcycle helmet offers, you need to keep it in the best possible condition.
It is recommended that you always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for the specific helmet you've purchased. If you only occasionally use your helmet, we recommend you store it safely in a helmet bag, somewhere where it won't be dropped or knocked.
A helmet should be stored with the chinstrap facing down, on a hard surface. It should also be kept away from petrol, cleaning fluids, or excessive heat – they can degrade the helmet materials, often unnoticeably.
Road Safety Learning Lab
The Road Safety Learning Lab is a virtual centre for road safety learning featuring interactive crash test experiences, practical how-to videos and more.
