BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - Virginia Tech researchers are working to protect more young athletes from head injuries.
The internationally recognized helmet lab on campus is expanding its work on football and hockey helmet safety ratings to bicycle and soccer head gear.
The research team said there is a big difference between the options available to consumers when it comes to safety.
They hope their work will not only make shoppers more savvy, but make manufacturers put out better products.
"Just like cars, no one makes a two-star car anymore," said lead researcher Stefan Duma. "Once you drive that, once you set that expectation, you help the manufacturers make better products. Once everyone is making five-star products, that drives the price down."
The bicycle and soccer helmet ratings will officially be released this fall. The team hopes to eventually expand its research to all contact sports.