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Originally Posted by Chris B.
Recently New Jersey rules for tracks were updated to require full face helmets for all HPDE/Racers/High Performance driving schools/Drifters/etc... on tracks in New Jersey.
I avoided getting a full face helmet and have been using an open face helmet because the only research I could find on the topic said that you are more likely to get a broken jaw and neck/spine injuries if you are wearing a full face helmet when an airbag deploys in a street car with airbags. The SCCA went so far as to highly recommend not using full face helmets in cars with airbags back in 2004.
When researching the topic again recently, after hearing about the updated requirements in new Jersey, I couldn't find any recent research on it. Does anyone have any newer research on the topic or has anyone here tasted an airbag with a full face helmet on?
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From what I remember (from several years ago when I researched the subject) the number of recorded incidents with full face helmet/airbag related injuries was greatly exaggerated. I think it was forum-induced hysteria mostly ... one person happened to get injured and posted it and everyone got scared and jumped to conclusions.
If there are statistics and cited sources showing otherwise, I'll believe it, otherwise I'm thinking I might have to email Myth Busters to do a study.
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Originally Posted by AJ Hartman
I just did an auto-x with the sj-scca and they touched on the topic while talking about a PDX event they were going to do at NJMP. They said pretty much what your research said about you are more prone to neck injuries with a full face if an air bag were to deploy. So they said DE1 and DE2 level drivers can use an open face if their vehicle has airbags. Don't know if that helps much.
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Knowing the way NJ enforces rules at motorsports events and the amount of pressure NJMP is under to follow all government mandates (and come out profitable after this Ch.11 filing) I seriously doubt the SJR-SCCA has the clout to use internet/forum banter as just cause to skirt the newly released full faced helmet requirements.
I realize this article is mainly discussing the various HNR systems available, but makes a point about helmets and airbags that is valid regardless of HNR/harness useage:
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Originally Posted by Trackpedia
The FIA showed some work that they had done on airbags at the SCCA safety seminar in February 2006. They seemed to say keep the airbag energized but do not wear a helmet with anything that could catch on the airbag as it inflates which could cause the helmet to be tipped upward at the front - i.e. no firmly attached peaks like you see in some rally helmets and keep the visor closed. Another possibility is that your raised visor can puncture the airbag and then it would deflate in to your view port, not good. So, put the visor down or remove it.
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All that said, I can not find a single reference from SFI or FIA that makes a claim one way or the other.