Helmet BIS standards revised; now lighter, airier

According to a media report, helmets on sale from next year onwards will be lighter and airier. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has amended helmet regulations in India to make them more user-friendly.

Considering some of the main reasons why bike riders do not wear helmets, the new rules have reduced the maximum weight of the helmets from 1.5 kg to 1.2 kg. It is also mandatory for all helmets to come with ventilation holes. The road transport ministry will also make it mandatory for all helmets to get BIS certification. This will ensure that the standards will be met and the sale of low-quality helmets will become illegal.

The new rule will come into effect from 15 January 2019 and all helmet manufacturers will have to comply. It is reported that in 2017, more than 15,000 people lost their lives in road accidents as they were not wearing helmets. The new rule is claimed to ensure that the helmets will have the required strength to protect the skull and head in case of an accident.

Source: TOI