The "helmets" of the WWII era were not for crash protection so much as keeping the head warm (necessary for enough comfort to maintain control) and sometimes housing radio earphones. They were typically leather, not the hardshell ones we think of today.

My understanding on the Braille ATM buttons is that they were mandated by government rules (disabilities act). Blind folks can use the drive-up ones when getting a lift from a friend or in a cab. Reading the screen, however, may present a problem.