With the world now halfway through the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), the statistics remain grim—millions of lives are still being lost to road crashes each year, with motorcyclists among the most vulnerable.
In response, the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety (the Alliance) has launched a groundbreaking white paper, 'Making Safe Helmets a Reality for All,' highlighting a critical yet often overlooked issue: the widespread availability of unsafe motorcycle helmets that provide little to no protection in crashes.
Backed by extensive research, expert consultations, and on-the-ground insights from motorcycle riders across multiple countries, the white paper reveals systemic failures that allow non-standard helmets—often indistinguishable from certified ones—to flood markets worldwide. In doing so, it calls for urgent, coordinated action from governments, NGOs, private sector players, and global institutions to ensure that only helmets meeting recognized safety standards remain on the market.
The Hidden Crisis
For millions of motorcyclists, choosing a helmet is a decision based on trust—trust in brands, safety certification labels, and national standards. However, the white paper exposes a troubling reality: not all helmets available for purchase actually meet safety standards, and many riders unknowingly wear gear that cannot protect them in a crash.
The research found that non-standard helmets are widely available across countries, often at a fraction of the price of certified helmets. These helmets not only lack the structural integrity needed for crash protection but also deceive buyers with counterfeit certification labels and branding, making it nearly impossible to differentiate safe from unsafe.
A series of studies referenced in the white paper paint a stark picture:
- A nine-country study found that 54% of observed helmets lacked certification, and 49% were non-standard—despite existing helmet laws in some of these countries.
- Another multi-country study revealed that while 83% of motorcyclists wore helmets, nearly half used non-standard ones. The mere existence of helmet laws, it noted, does not guarantee compliance with safety standards.
- A large-scale study of 98,021 two-wheeler users at 15 locations found that only 24% wore standard helmets, while a staggering 26% of riders and 20% of pillions wore “cap helmets,” which offer minimal protection.
- A study in Lebanon reported that 64% of helmets inspected lacked certification, with riders who spent less than $15 on helmets more likely to wear non-certified models.
These findings underscore a harsh reality: in many parts of the world, wearing a helmet does not necessarily mean wearing a safe one.
The Price Factor
One of the most pressing challenges in tackling the non-standard helmet crisis is cost. The research highlights that non-standard helmets are often two to three times cheaper than certified helmets, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious riders.
In Ghana, for example, standard helmets were found to cost between $8.50 and $17.00, whereas non-standard helmets were sold for less than $8.50. In low-income regions, this price disparity makes certified helmets seem unattainable for many riders, reinforcing dangerous purchasing habits.
Compounding this issue is the perception that higher prices equate to better safety. Many riders interviewed during the study reported relying on price as a quality indicator, assuming that only expensive helmets meet safety standards. However, this assumption often leads them to purchase cheap, uncertified helmets under the false belief that they offer adequate protection.
Enforcement Gap
Even in countries with formal helmet safety standards, enforcement remains a critical challenge. The white paper notes that weak enforcement allows non-standard helmets to persist on the market, even in places with established regulations.
Several key barriers to effective enforcement were identified:
- Many countries lack domestic testing laboratories, making it difficult to assess whether helmets meet safety standards before they are sold.
- Law enforcement officers often struggle to differentiate between standard and non-standard helmets, particularly when counterfeit certification labels are used.
- Governments often fail to prioritize helmet safety enforcement, with limited resources allocated to market inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
Global Perspectives
To better understand the scale of the problem and identify solutions, the Alliance consulted global experts, including representatives from UNECE, WHO, private sector entities, and NGOs working on road safety initiatives. Several key takeaways emerged:
- Legal mandates matter: Without a national law requiring all helmets to meet a recognized safety standard, non-standard helmets will continue to circulate.
- A one-size-fits-all approach does not work: Countries must adopt helmet standards suited to their climate, economic conditions, and population needs.
- Stronger import regulations are needed: Many countries rely on imported helmets, and without rigorous testing at entry points, unsafe helmets enter markets unchecked.
- Online sales present a new challenge: Fake brand helmets and toy helmets are increasingly available through online shopping platforms, making it harder to regulate their sale.
- Cross-government collaboration is essential: Transport agencies, consumer protection authorities, and enforcement bodies must work together to prevent the sale of non-standard helmets.
Listening To Riders
The Alliance conducted community consultations across five countries, gathering firsthand insights from 63 motorcycle riders from diverse backgrounds, including delivery workers, moto-taxi riders, and daily commuters. Their responses revealed several important trends:
- Many riders prioritize brand recognition and certification labels, yet not all helmets they wear have verifiable certifications.
- Price, comfort, aesthetics, and functionality influence purchasing decisions just as much as safety does.
- Riders recognize the life-saving potential of helmets, but knowledge of safety standards varies—particularly in regions like Kenya, where awareness of helmet safety standards was low.
- Some riders struggle to afford certified helmets, especially in low-income areas.
These findings reinforce the need for comprehensive solutions that go beyond awareness campaigns and tackle the root causes of unsafe helmet usage.
A Roadmap For Action
To address the global helmet safety crisis, the Alliance has outlined priority interventions in its Accountability Toolkit, designed to help governments and stakeholders take decisive action. These include:
- Enforcing helmet safety laws: Strengthening regulations to ensure only certified helmets can be sold.
- Creating affordable solutions: Encouraging domestic helmet manufacturing and testing to reduce costs.
- Regulating the private sector: Mandating businesses, especially those with motorcycle-dependent workers, to supply and enforce the use of certified helmets.
- Enhancing enforcement capacity: Training law enforcement officers to identify non-standard helmets and confiscate unsafe products.
- Strengthening consumer awareness: Educating riders on how to identify a safe helmet.
A Call To Action
The white paper launch coincides with the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, where the Alliance will host a key side event, 'Helmet Realities and Solutions: Making Safe Helmets a Reality for All,' on 19 February 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.
During the conference, the Alliance will showcase an exhibition of standard and non-standard helmets from around the world, allowing visitors to see and feel the differences firsthand. Experts and NGOs will also engage in discussions on the white paper’s findings, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger interventions.
Lotte Brondum, Executive Director of the Alliance, sums up the urgency of the situation, stating: “Motorcycle usage is increasing worldwide, and safe helmets are essential for protecting lives. Governments have the primary responsibility to ensure every helmet on the market meets a recognized safety standard. We cannot continue allowing unsafe helmets to circulate unchecked.'
As global road deaths continue to rise, the call for action is clear: ensuring access to safe helmets is not just a matter of policy—it’s a matter of life and death.
Also Read:
2W Helmet Mfrs Assn Advocates Stricter Measures Against Fake Helmets