The Helmet of Justice.
 

Seems like an increasing number of you commuter folks are riding with video cams these days for fun or for safety and evidence in the event of a crash. I came across and article and a CNN clip about the "Helmet of Justice" which records 360 degrees in the event of impact. I just thought I'd share.

http://www.springwise.com/transporta...-box-cyclists/

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video...of-justice.cnn

I wonder how all the electronic componentry compromises the effectiveness of the helmet as a safety device.

I've wondered that about helmets with GoPro or other camera attached to it.

I bought a camera pen in the hopes of catching some punk teenage kids who were throwing eggs and various other objects at me. There is a thread here on it. Nonetheless, the very day I put the camera on my pannier just to try it out I get mowed over. I attribute the settlement being well in the "5 figures" after all medical liens were cleared to be because of the camera. I didn't video the lady who hit me in the act, but I got every word that was spoken. I missed 2 days of work, had some road rash, bruised ribs, but still rode PBP 4 weeks later. I took the initial offer from the insurance company as well, without any haggling.

From the video it looks like they pulled out the liner and mounted everything in the shell w/the cameras pointing out the vents. As long as the liner and shell's integrity are intact,it should be fine. The thing that I don't like,unless the vid didn't explain it well,is that it seems the helmet only starts recording when there's an impact. By that time it's too late. I would want the helmet to be constantly in operation.

Been thinking about some camera options that I could just run continuously during my commute or on my long training rides. Almost as an insurance policy to help as evidence. I might have to search out a thread that speaks to some options.

I've heard people argue against helmet lights for the same reason. I don't have a camera (yet, can't afford it), but I run a light on the top of my helmet. I can't envision the crash where I'm sliding along the ground on the top of my helmet, and in fact, studies show that a lot (most?) impacts to helmets are on the side. As long as your accessory is mounted on the top of the helmet, I doubt it'd have any negative effects in a crash.

ronocnikral - Do you mind telling me what make and model that video pen was? - I have been interested in something like that and your story is giving me motivation again to find something.

http://www.tmart.com/Spy-Pen-Cameras/

I don't think the exact model of what I got was is still offered, but this is where I bought mine.

here is the thread in case you are curious....http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...punk+teenagers

If you havent seen, i'd recommend one of these. http://www.chucklohr.com/808/index.shtml They are cheap and like anything cheap have their issue but for the price are hard to beat.

I've crashed with my helmet camera, at the time it was on the left side. As soon as my helmet hit the pavement the camera snapped off and went tumbling. It was fine and I was fine. I have a feeling most mounts would fail in a serious crash, but have considering if it snagged on something could cash additional damage to my neck.

I plan on getting a low or mid range go pro. My commute is nothing special & thus no HD is warented. All I need is proof to nail the A-hole who hits me in court.

Thanks to both ronocnikral and weshigh - those links give some great info on some really inexpensive cameras - that was what I was looking for. While the go pro and similar look like really nice cameras, I am just not willing to spend that kind of money right now.