Helmet question

[TURBO2GO]

OK, please don't laugh at me for asking this question, I realize it may sound a bit ridiculous.

Is there a law against wearing a helmet while driving in a car on the street? Would it be super uncomfortable and hot? I really like the way that a harness holds you in place while driving... so much so that I would use a harness when street driving my NSX. But some guys say that a harness without a helmet is very dangerous. So then the next logical question is... is it ridiculous to wear a helmet along with your harness on the street? I would actually do this on some drives. I don't care what other people think. Is it illegal?

I can see how it would be tough to try to get out of a speeding ticket if you are pulled over in a supercharged NSX with the engine cover removed, harness and helmet on. "No, I really was not planning on doing anything illegal officer". Do I need a Hans too? I sure would feel safer...

It all started with the steering wheel. I want an aftermarket one and there is no airbag. So then I thought well you don't need an airbag if you have a harness. Then I realized if you have a harness, you need a helmet. Then it was harness and helmet is better with a Hans device. You see the dillema I am in? This is what happens when it snows and I can't drive my car.

 

[docjohn]

If you plan on driving on the street in such a manner as to risk crashing and or rolling then it might be prudent,but I doubt it.The helmut is a mandated safety measure for any and all on track activities except for the so called parade laps or touring.Now with that said I did drive on the interstate in Pa with my helmet on years ago because I wanted to drive fast with the roof off and thought the helmet would give me some quiet around my ears and eyes.Only thing I can say was that the wind coming in and off the rear bulkhead was pushing my head forward pretty badly.

 

[stuntman]

Helmets are more than likely illegal for street use.

You do not need a helmet if you have harnesses - IMO. That ideology is more for rollbars than just harnesses.

Ive been in few accidents on the street in cars that had harnesses (no I wasn't driving...) and IMO, harnesses are MUCH safer than stock seatbelts and especially the dangerous airbags. Keep in mind, airbag technology 15 years ago is no where near what it is today.

A lot of the 'harnesses are unsafe in street cars' comes from the idea that cars crush when rolling over, allowing you to get crushed into your lap. If you have a harness and cant move, the car will crush you. So for a harness you need a rollbar, and thus need a helmet.

For the NSX, with the old-tech airbag, and in general, i'd rather wear a harness.

-my $0.02

 

[JeffShoots]

Do what I do..................DD an H1 and track the NSX :smile:

 

[TURBO2GO]

What is the difference between an old tech and a new tech airbag? If there is a difference, don't you think Acura upgraded it at all? Are you saying that something like deployment rate for example or airbag material cannot be changed? Would it be the same on a 1991 NSX as a 2005 NSX?

During a crash, isn't the regular belt just as tight as a harness? I would think the seatbelt would only loosen AFTER the crash and the g-forces have come to zero. So what would the difference be then between a harness and a seatbelt other than the fact that the forces are spread more evenly on your body with a harness.

 

[TURBO2GO]

Do what I do..................DD an H1 and track the NSX :smile:

That must be a comfy ride... so do you have stock in Exxon too? lol... you are probably driving your own stock price up...

 

[JeffShoots]

That must be a comfy ride... so do you have stock in Exxon too?...

Yes :smile:

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

OK, please don't laugh at me for asking this question, I realize it may sound a bit ridiculous.

Ok, ok.... I'll just have to contain myself...but I'm telling ya... it's like I've had to take a wizz for the last three days over here. :biggrin:

Is there a law against wearing a helmet while driving in a car on the street?

Not that I've ever heard of. Open cockpit guys including the Atom, CSR, etc... all run helmets on the street and I can see why. I see no reason why closed cockpit guys should be excluded simply because we have a roof. Hell, isn't yours a targa too?

You can always check your states motor vehicle code but I doubt an exclusion exists. Might want to check your mirrors for the fashion police thou. :wink:

Would it be super uncomfortable and hot?

Not at 32 degrees out, my ears were freezing on Saturday. Having no heater kind of sucks up here. I was ready to break out the fire suite just to stay warm as shivering wasn't helping. I take it your not a Bike guy.

For you in the summer? Hmm..

You know... they do have cool air helmet systems. You can even put a NACA duct up front and pipe brake ducting straight to your head provided they make it big enough. We don't want you to pass out from heat exhaustion before you get to starbucks to take down that iced caramel macchiato. :wink:

I really like the way that a harness holds you in place while driving... so much so that I would use a harness when street driving my NSX. But some guys say that a harness without a helmet is very dangerous. So then the next logical question is... is it ridiculous to wear a helmet along with your harness on the street? I would actually do this on some drives. I don't care what other people think. Is it illegal?

Do what you feel you need to do. On the street the best insurance policy really is aware driver. For hardware... Seat, 5/6/7pt Harnesses, rear main hoop structure of some kind is gold IMO. I pull the SRS out first day. In certain situations... well let's just say there is a time and a place for everything. Like the Virgina City Hill Climb in an Ultima GTR perhaps. I suppose it never hurts to be too safe thou, and I'll leave it at that.

I can see how it would be tough to try to get out of a speeding ticket if you are pulled over in a supercharged NSX with the engine cover removed, harness and helmet on. "No, I really was not planning on doing anything illegal officer".

Hmmph. Yeah being profiled just because you are rolling around minding your own business in a GT car with a helmet on does kind of suck. Do what I do... just leave your front plate off so he has something to really bother you about. These aren't the droids you're looking for...

Do I need a Hans too? I sure would feel safer...

Might want to get in on that group buy coming up. Hell why stop there? I'd go all out...

It all started with the steering wheel. I want an aftermarket one and there is no airbag. So then I thought well you don't need an airbag if you have a harness. Then I realized if you have a harness, you need a helmet. Then it was harness and helmet is better with a Hans device. You see the dilemma I am in?

Umm. No roll cage? Drivers net? AFFF fire system?

Yes, many of us can sympathize with your dilemma. Glad to hear you are thinking about your safety. :wink:

Sounds like you are well on your way to making your local go-fast crack dealer very, very, rich. :smile:

Dave, can't wait to meet-up at a future event.

Cheers,

John

 

[MCM]

[/IMG]



Just kidding......!
I am finding myself in a similar spot. Would like to put a fixed /one piece drivers seat in the (no air bag) 1990 M3. (Worked well for me yrs ago in another sports car) But am finding most say only use a fixed seat with a harness, which leads to a roll bar, which would lead to everyone in the car wearing a helmet due to the monkey bars.
So I do understand where your at.

Here is a shot of a guy wearing a helmet. No harness though.

 

[ak]

I would never use the harness on the street. It limits my body movement which really hinders being safe in my opinion since you can't really check your blindspot etc.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Harness legality

Is there a law against wearing a helmet while driving in a car on the street? ........ I really like the way that a harness holds you in place while driving... so much so that I would use a harness when street driving my NSX.

You're asking about the legality of the helmet on the street, but the real question should be about the legality of a harness on the street. The view of lawmakers in their ivory towers is that harnesses are not foolproof like the DOT approved 3 point seat belt which theoretically is foolproof. Harnesses need to be installed and adjusted properly, which is why there are tech inspectors inspecting that stuff in sanctioned events. While you may be absolutely sure you've installed it correctly and adjusted it correctly, the law cannot be sure that you have not made a mistake. You may not have attached the shoulder harness to a structural hardpoint designed to take the load. And your GF in the right seat may not have it adjusted correctly. So while it may look really cool and make someone feel safe, it could fail in a real world multi-G crash.

If you go with your full helmet/harness plan, sooner or later a cop's going to pull you over just to ask what's up with the helmet. Then he'd write you up for the harness. Of course you could wear the 3 point and the harness.

But I gotta say, I want a harness and helmet too when I'm doing 70 mph on the Cap City Freeway in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic with bimbos all around me texting on their phones.

 

[flyn2Lo48]

FS: Science of Speed Competition Bar/ Schroth 4-Pt Harness. It was posted yesterday. The bar is specific to NSX's and will fit all years. Neither SoS nor Comptech market these any longer. Mine was one of the last sold. Let me know if you're interested.

 

[L8apex32]

My $0.02:

A properly installed and worn 5 or 6pt harness is safer than the 3-pt plus airbag. You don't need the airbag if you have a proper harness. Harness should be safer in all conditions than the 3-pt.

Helmet should be safer still and legal as far as I know. Adding safety is usually not prohibited. However, removing or replacing a safety item often is.

One question is if a harness is DOT approved. I doubt it. But, I also doubt you'd get a ticket for wearing a harness instead of the 3-pt.

In summary, if you have the harness, wear it. If you feel like wearing the helmet, wear it. Both will add to your safety in most cases.

 

[MCM]

I believe the harness / fixed seat issue comes into play if the car rolls.
You could get crushed by the roof..... No wiggle room.
Hence the required roll bar. With a roll bar, a helmet might be a requirement.
Tubing is hard on the noggin...... Etc........

(In my situation / opinion)
A snug , fixed one piece seat gives driver feedback 2nd to none.
But is generally not considered safe with a 3 point OEM system.
And down the path we go..............

 

[docjohn]

John man some funny stuff.Well Turbo we may just have to include helmets at nsxpo for the scenic drives!:biggrin:

 

[stuntman]

My $0.02:

A properly installed and worn 5 or 6pt harness is safer than the 3-pt plus airbag. You don't need the airbag if you have a proper harness. Harness should be safer in all conditions than the 3-pt.

+1

I believe the harness / fixed seat issue comes into play if the car rolls.
You could get crushed by the roof..... No wiggle room.
Hence the required roll bar. With a roll bar, a helmet might be a requirement.
Tubing is hard on the noggin...... Etc........

(In my situation / opinion)
A snug , fixed one piece seat gives driver feedback 2nd to none.
But is generally not considered safe with a 3 point OEM system.
And down the path we go..............

I havn't seen pictures of an NSX rolled over. But looking at the chassis structure, the geometry looks pretty safe. -NSX Targa cars....not so much.

Mark: Depending on the seat, a harness is not REQUIRED, and you could get away with the 3-pt stock belt with some 1pc seats. In most cases, a harness would be better than the stock belts for a 1pc racing seat.

For your NSX, 1pc seat, the simple harness bar, and harness would be fine. You wouldn't need a rollbar.

For your M3, the Sparco Harness bar, seat, and harness would be fine, you also dont need a rollbar. -but that harness bar makes it hard to put stuff/people in the rear seats.

-both of your cars would be fine and wouldn't be necessary to get a rollbar imo.


*The only time helmet/rollbar issue comes up is if your head could come into contact with the rollbar. If you are short and or are sitting far enough forward that its impossible to hit your head on the rollbar, it is not 'necessary' to wear a helmet. The whole helmet-rollbar problem came up in regards to your head being softer than a rollbar, but if it cannot come in contact with it, theirs no problem.
$0.02

 

[MCM]

Thanks for the info.
Its an open debate (these issues)
With many opinions...........
While I will probably not wear a helmet around town,
I do miss the el-cheapo Clubman style seat from yrs ago.

Now get back to studying for your finals!
LOL LOL

 

[stuntman]

Thanks for the info.
Its an open debate (these issues)
With many opinions...........
While I will probably not wear a helmet around town,
I do miss the el-cheapo Clubman style seat from yrs ago.

Now get back to studying for your finals!
LOL LOL

Two down, two (tomorrow) to go...

I can't help myself...

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Are you "that guy?"

Might want to get in on that group buy coming up. Hell why stop there? I'd go all out...

Careful Turbo, you might end up as "that guy !" :biggrin: (Ignore the first 45 seconds)

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: Blindspot?

I would never use the harness on the street. It limits my body movement which really hinders being safe in my opinion since you can't really check your blindspot etc.

ak, I'm curious, what is the body movement you find necessary on the street but not on track? I'm sure you can't be one of those drivers that turns all the way around to look over your shoulder like you don't even have a mirror. And I would hope you're just as aware of what's around you on the track as you have to be on the street.

 

[TURBO2GO]

Re: Are you "that guy?"

Careful Turbo, you might end up as "that guy !" :biggrin: (Ignore the first 45 seconds)

Its gone.

John@microsoft... ROFLMAO.... thanks for the info.

 

[MCM]

I Know That Guy!

 

[ak]

Re: Blindspot?

ak, I'm curious, what is the body movement you find necessary on the street but not on track? I'm sure you can't be one of those drivers that turns all the way around to look over your shoulder like you don't even have a mirror. And I would hope you're just as aware of what's around you on the track as you have to be on the street.

I don't know about you but when I am strapped in with harness with the bucket seat that I have, the B-pillar is in my way of looking at the blind spot. There's also factors of crazy/unskilled drivers which does not make me feel comfortable enough to just use mirrors. Hell yeah I am one of those drivers that turns all the way sometimes. It's a hell of a lot better than hitting someone in my blindspot. At the track where it is under controlled environment, I can manage with the harness. On the regular street where anything could happen, I like the body movement that the OEM seat belt allows.(not to mention comfort).

 

[BATMANs]

OK, please don't laugh at me for asking this question, I realize it may sound a bit ridiculous.

Is there a law against wearing a helmet while driving in a car on the street? Would it be super uncomfortable and hot? I really like the way that a harness holds you in place while driving... so much so that I would use a harness when street driving my NSX. But some guys say that a harness without a helmet is very dangerous. So then the next logical question is... is it ridiculous to wear a helmet along with your harness on the street? I would actually do this on some drives. I don't care what other people think. Is it illegal?

I can see how it would be tough to try to get out of a speeding ticket if you are pulled over in a supercharged NSX with the engine cover removed, harness and helmet on. "No, I really was not planning on doing anything illegal officer". Do I need a Hans too? I sure would feel safer...

It all started with the steering wheel. I want an aftermarket one and there is no airbag. So then I thought well you don't need an airbag if you have a harness. Then I realized if you have a harness, you need a helmet. Then it was harness and helmet is better with a Hans device. You see the dillema I am in? This is what happens when it snows and I can't drive my car.

Any reason why ur location is not posted?

Yes u'll need a Hans device.

 

[stuntman]

Re: Blindspot?

I don't know about you but when I am strapped in with harness with the bucket seat that I have, the B-pillar is in my way of looking at the blind spot. There's also factors of crazy/unskilled drivers which does not make me feel comfortable enough to just use mirrors. Hell yeah I am one of those drivers that turns all the way sometimes. It's a hell of a lot better than hitting someone in my blindspot. At the track where it is under controlled environment, I can manage with the harness. On the regular street where anything could happen, I like the body movement that the OEM seat belt allows.(not to mention comfort).

Then you're mirrors are not set right.

99.9% of people do not have their mirrors set right. -They set them so their mirror views 1/2 of their rear fender (I guess they like security of knowing the back of their car is still there).


*You want the inner part of your mirror to not even view your rear fender. (-Your in-car center rear view mirror shows you that area).

By doing this, your side mirrors are viewing a lot more of the side of your car, and will reduce your blind spot to nothing. When a car is next to you and disappearing on the outer edge of your mirror - at this point you should see the front of the car out of your side window.

In conclusion. - fix your mirrors, you'll have no blind spot, and a harness is fine...:wink: