Motorcycle helmets bought from online platforms had counterfeit safety certifications, test finds | 24CA News
Experts are warning customers to think twice earlier than buying security tools on-line, particularly in the case of defending their heads.
A CBC Marketplace investigation has discovered that some bike helmets bought on in style web sites would crack and collapse in a crash — and that the protection certifications on them are counterfeit.
Marketplace bought helmets on the market on Amazon, eBay and Walmart’s market marketed as U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) licensed. Manufacturers, who’re liable for conducting testing, embrace the letters “DOT” on the again of a helmet to point the helmet has met or exceeded the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. It’s one of many three required security certifications for bike helmets in Canada.
But regardless of promoting that the helmets have been security licensed, Marketplace discovered that every helmet failed parts of the protection normal, which, based on specialists, means the DOT certifications have been counterfeit.
Chris Withnall, senior engineer with Biokinetics lab in Ottawa, which examined the helmets, mentioned it may be “a matter of life and death.”
“A helmet might look like a motorcycle helmet, but it might not actually behave like a motorcycle helmet when you need it most,” he mentioned.
After Marketplace advised Amazon, eBay and Walmart concerning the helmets’ counterfeit security certifications, all platforms eliminated the listings the present had recognized.
In an emailed assertion, a spokesperson for eBay wrote that it invests tens of millions of {dollars} into conserving its platform protected. A spokesperson for Amazon wrote that its companions are “contractually obligated to ensure that their products comply with all applicable laws and Amazon policies,” and it urged involved customers to contact its customer support staff. A spokesperson for Walmart wrote that the sellers are liable for “ensuring their products meet all legal and regulatory requirements.”
Marketplace additionally requested the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reply to the investigation. In an e-mail, the company wrote that it depends on a self-certification course of and can typically conduct random checks on some helmets, however it does take suggestions and complaints from customers under consideration. It additionally mentioned it’s going to recall helmets if obligatory and acknowledged there are retailers that use faux DOT labels.
When looking for helmets, Milan Uzelac, a senior bike teacher with the Rider Training Institute, urges riders to stay with respected manufacturers and take a look at helmets on in-person.
“If and when things happen, you want to be confident that the helmet you’re wearing is going to protect you,” he mentioned.
Watch the total Marketplace investigation to see precisely how every helmet failed the testing, and for tips about pink flags to search for when looking for helmets.
