How does temperature affect helmet performance?

Temperature significantly impacts helmet performance, primarily through its effects on the materials used in helmet construction. When exposed to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, various helmet components can undergo changes that compromise their structural integrity and safety features.

In high temperatures, materials such as the foam liners and outer shell might soften or deform, leading to a reduction in their ability to absorb impact energy during an accident. Similarly, cold temperatures can make materials more brittle, increasing the likelihood of cracking or shattering upon impact. Such degradation can directly affect the helmet's primary purpose: to provide protection by absorbing shock and preventing injury.

The consideration of temperature's effects on helmets is a critical aspect of safety as it emphasizes the importance of using helmets within specified temperature guidelines to maintain their protective qualities.