Nobody cares until they crash... ECE? DOT? Safety Standards?

Both DOT (Department of Transportation) and ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) are standards that are used to test the safety of JUDGED helmets. While both standards are designed to ensure that helmets meet certain safety criteria, there are some key differences between the two. This is why our helmets carry both standards.

The DOT standard is a set of safety standards that are established by the US Department of Transportation. Helmets that meet DOT standards are required to undergo a series of impact tests and penetration tests to ensure that they provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. DOT helmets are also required to meet certain requirements for retention system strength, field of vision, and labeling.

The ECE standard, on the other hand, is a set of safety standards that are established by the Economic Commission for Europe. Helmets that meet ECE standards are required to undergo a similar series of tests to DOT helmets, including impact tests and retention system tests. The ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standard is a set of safety requirements for motorcycle helmets that are recognized in over 50 countries worldwide, including the European Union. The ECE standard is considered to be more stringent and comprehensive than the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard. However, the tests used to evaluate helmets for ECE certification are slightly different from those used for DOT certification.

While both DOT and ECE helmets are designed to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, there are some differences in the way that the tests are conducted and the criteria that are used to evaluate helmet safety. For example, the DOT test uses a single impact at a specific speed and location, while the ECE test uses multiple impacts at different speeds and locations.

There are also differences in the way that helmets are labeled and certified under each standard. DOT helmets are required to display a specific label that indicates that they meet DOT standards, while ECE helmets are required to display a label that indicates the specific country that has certified the helmet.

So, why is the DOT standard important and better than ECE? Here are a few reasons:

1. DOT helmets are required to meet strict safety standards that are established by the US government. This means that DOT helmets are designed to provide a high level of protection in the event of a crash.

2. DOT helmets are tested using a single impact test, which is designed to simulate a real-world crash. This means that DOT helmets are more likely to provide adequate protection in a crash than helmets that have only been tested using multiple impacts.

3. DOT helmets are required to meet specific requirements for retention system strength, field of vision, and labeling. This means that DOT helmets are more likely to fit properly and provide adequate protection in a crash.

4. DOT helmets are more widely recognized and accepted in the US than ECE helmets. This means that DOT helmets are more likely to be available and affordable than ECE helmets.

Here are some reasons why the ECE standard is considered better:

1. Impact testing: The ECE standard requires helmets to be tested at higher velocities and in more locations than the DOT standard. This means that ECE helmets are better equipped to handle high-speed impacts and protect the rider's head.

2. Penetration testing: The ECE standard requires helmets to be tested for their resistance to penetration by sharp objects. The DOT standard does not require this test, which means that DOT helmets may not protect against sharp objects.

3. Retention system testing: The ECE standard requires helmets to be tested for their retention system, which is the mechanism that keeps the helmet on the rider's head during an impact. The DOT standard does not require this test, which means that DOT helmets may not stay on the rider's

While ECE helmets are also designed to provide a high level of protection in the event of a crash, the DOT standard is generally considered to be more rigorous and more closely aligned with the needs of US riders. If you're shopping for a Snowmobile helmet, it's important to consider both DOT and ECE safety standards. Buy the JUDGED Gavel 2.0.