Schoolgirl’s helmet safer

Press, 21 July 1989, Page 5

Schoolgirl’s helmet safer

By

MICHAEL RENTOUL

A Christchurch schoolgirl has designed a bicycle helmet which laboratory tests indicate is safer than many on the market. Bridget Farrow, aged 14, in the fourth form at Christchurch Girls’ High School, has been approached by two companies interested in the design and an accompanying survey, which she did for the recent Canterbury and Westland Science Fair. The helmet, made of polyethylene, is lighter, softer and more comfortable than its polystyrene equivalents — features which Bridget’s survey indicate will appeal to teenagers. The survey of five Christchurch secondary schools showed that of the 216 pupils who replied, 51 per cent owned helmets. Of these, 11 per cent said they never wore them, 25 per cent only sometimes, and 38 per cent always. Protection and comfort were judged the most important features of helmets; these two factors also figured highly in why they were liked. Style was the most impoitant reason why they were not liked, held by more girls than boys. Uncomfortable helmets also figured highly. Bridget said inspiration for the project came from an accident involving her brother two years ago, when he was knocked off his bicycle by a truck. His skull, which was unprotected, was fractured. Bridget’s father, Dr Roger Farrow, until recently the medical officer at Wigram Air Force Base, intends wearing the helmet when he competes in the world triathlon championships in France next week, such is his confidence in the design.

Dr Farrow, who has designed helmets for use by Air Force pilots, said polyethylene crushed progressively under impact, thereby absorbing more force. Bridget said she had experimented with different types of foam until the combination was just right. Her helmet passed a D.S.I.R. impact test — it scored 160 “G” forces, well below the 400 Gs allowed. Dr Farrow said the 400 limit was too high. (Helmets which score below this may receive a New Zealand Safety Standard). He called on manufacturers to tell consumers what mark it had as some might have only just passed. A scientist with the D.S.I.R. in Christchurch, Mr Brian Donohue, said the lower the score, the lesser the impact on the skull. He agreed the 400 limit was too high, although recent tests of helmets on the market put the average at 190 Gs, with the range 115 to 250.