BMF throws light on dark visors

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Eamonn Townsend

BMF throws light on dark visors

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

In a statement issued today, the BMF says it is optimistic that the effective ban (note 1) on dark visors is about to be lifted.

Currently, only visors that transmit 50% or more of available light are legal (note 2) for motorcyclists use in the UK, but a report, due out shortly from the Institute for Consumer Ergonomics (ICE), is now expected to support the use of the 25% class visor.

As a member of the BSI’s Eye Protectors for Vehicle Users Committee, the BMF have long held the view that in bright sunlight, tinted visors providing down to 25% light transmission, can be a positive safety aid for the motorcyclist. The only legal alternative, that of wearing sunglasses (which can legally transmit down to 18% of available light) can often bring its own difficulties in fitting them within a helmet say the BMF.

The BMF also say that earlier concerns over night time use of tinted visors have been addressed from a practical viewpoint in that current helmet design now allows for the rapid changing of a visor from dark to clear, even at the roadside.

Said BMF Chief Executive Simon Wilkinson: "This is an important issue for riders. Fears over dark visor use by some riders in poor visibility are not grounds for banning their use across the board. The legalisation of a 25% limit will simply allow the motorcyclist to enjoy the same advantages of a motorist wearing sunglasses."

Note 1: The ban on heavy tints resulted from a limited study in the early 1980s of motorcyclist collisions with unlit builders skips. Most involved riders using scratched visors (leading to the anti-scratch requirement for visors) with only one or two involving tinted visors.

Note 2: Motorcyclist visors are covered by the Motorcyclists Eye Protectors BS 4110 and ECE Regulation 22.05.

ENDS

Issued by Jeff Stone: Tel: 0121 709 1040 Fax: 0121 705 8784email: jeff.stone@bmf.co.uk
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