Several years ago, a team of Swedish designers created the Hövding airbag collar to keep cyclists' heads protected without causing the rider to get a dreaded case of helmet hair.
The inflating dome expands out of a subtle black collar that rests around the biker's neck -- fully encasing one's noggin within a cushion in a manner that almost designates the falling rider with high-fashion status.
While the avoidance of messed-up hair and no longer having to ride around in a dorky helmet is an advantage in and of itself, Swedish insurance company Folksam has recently suggested that the dome performs better than a traditional helmet.
The company found the Hövding to perform up to three times better than conventional helmets in terms of preventing head trauma which will surely lead to the mass production and consumption of the product very soon.
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The Hövding Airbag Collar is a Couture and Practical Helmet
Trend Themes
1. Airbag Helmets - The development of airbag helmets not only provides alternative head protection, but also upgrades the traditional riding gear industry.
2. Fashionable Safety Gears - The fusion of safety and fashion in the Hövding airbag collar presents an opportunity for designers to create more protective and stylish gears for cyclists.
3. Innovative Bike Safety - The Hövding airbag collar as a new option for cyclists to better protect themselves while riding creates an opportunity for businesses to innovate their approach to bike safety.
Industry Implications
1. Sporting Goods - The airbag helmets can greatly disrupt the traditional cycling helmet market and lead to a surge in demand for more innovative and safer riding gear.
2. Fashion - The development of fashionable safety equipment can offer a new market for designers and creates an opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate safety features into their product line.
3. Insurance - The higher performance of the Hövding airbag collar has potential implications for the insurance industry and could lead to changes in policy on cycling head protection.