Every year, thousands of bikers walk away from accidents with injuries that could have been prevented or at least significantly reduced by something deceptively simple: a certified helmet. Yet, despite repeated warnings from road safety experts, a large number of riders continue to use non-certified or substandard helmets, often prioritising lower price over protection.
Traffic police and emergency room doctors consistently point to the same pattern. In motorcycle crashes, head injuries remain the leading cause of death and long-term disability, and a disproportionate number of these cases involve helmets that fail to meet internationally recognised safety standards. Many of these helmets crack on first impact, fail to absorb shock, or come loose during collisions, rendering them little more than plastic shells.
Photos: Farhan Musfique
Against this backdrop of growing safety awareness, helmet manufacturers are beginning to respond. Among the options now entering the market are the Vulcan Revolution and Vulcan Veloce helmets. Both models comply with ECE 22.06 safety standards from Europe as well as DOT standards from the United States. According to the company, the helmets are expected to be available nationwide through authorised dealers from January 15, 2026. In terms of pricing, the Vulcan Revolution is set at Tk 7,500, while the Vulcan Veloce will retail at Tk 5,500, placing certified protection within reach of a broader range of riders. Both models will also come with a three-year official replacement warranty.
For many riders, however, the importance of certification only truly sinks in after witnessing or surviving a serious accident. One such moment came after a major highway crash last year, where a group of bikers were hit by a speeding vehicle during a late-night ride. While some riders escaped with bruises and fractures, one suffered severe head trauma despite wearing a helmet. The reason became clear later: the helmet was not certified. It shattered on impact, offering minimal protection when it mattered most.
"I always thought a helmet was a helmet," said Kamal Sayed, one of the survivors afterward. "After seeing what happened, I realised that certification isn't just a label, it's the difference between life and death."
This is precisely where DOT and ECE certifications come into play. The DOT (Department of Transportation) standard, enforced in the United States, focuses on impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. Meanwhile, ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) certification, particularly the latest ECE 22.06 standard, goes even further, testing helmets under more realistic crash scenarios, including rotational impacts, multiple-hit performance, and a wider range of speeds. In simple terms, a DOT- and ECE-certified helmet is engineered to stay intact, stay on your head, and manage crash energy in ways uncertified helmets simply cannot.
As biking continues to grow in popularity, whether for commuting, touring, or sport, the conversation around helmets needs to shift. The question should no longer be whether to wear a helmet, but what kind of helmet is worth trusting with your life.
