I totally understand the idea of an adult's not wanting to be forced to wear a helmet when riding, and I oppose such mandatory helmet laws.
However, I always wear a helmet when I ride. I'd like to know
1) the reasons why those who don't wear helmets all the time, don't wear helmets.
2) Also, do you wear a helmet sometimes? If so, when, and why?
3) Lastly, would you wear a helmet if it were lighter, quieter, allowed better visibility, or had less wind resistance? (Or something else -- what?)
Thanks.
Firecracker .2009-10-19T15:02:56Z
Favorite Answer
I exercise my choice as I see fit. Sometimes I do wear a helmet. Rain, cold weather, Holiday weekend traffic. Travelling out of state (mandatory).
I have a variety of helmets available. The different features will help to choose between them, but don't much affect the other choice.
When I choose not to be in a cage, I often choose not to put my head in a box. Same feeling.
Edit: The statements about withholding coverage for not wearing a helmet are typical of the "I say what's best for you" crowd. You cannot say you are against mandatory laws and then support sneaky backdoor laws. Not by anybody's ethics. On a further (and to you guys) more important note: read your current health insurance policy. YOU may not have coverage simply because you ride. Helmet or not!
Sometimes I (we) just don't feel like wearing one.
My state (CT) has no helmet law. Bordering states (NY, MA, RI) do, so if I'm riding there I must wear a helmet.
It has nothing to do with lighter, quieter, visibility or wind resistance. I own both a full face and a half helmet as does my wife. Both are carbon/kevlar weight is not an issue. I am more likely to wear my full face in the cold weather for warmth. On the highway too. My half helmet is for warmer days or short rides with little or no highway.
And then, again, sometimes I (we) just don't feel like wearing one.
You will never get all motorcyclists to agree on this topic.
End of discussion.
EDIT: Those of you who have suggested insurance companies not cover you in the event you're not wearing a helmet, I assume you'd apply the same logic for seat belts in cars????? What about people who disable their airbags?
1) I wear a full face helmet EVERY time I ride. Not wearing a helmet never enters my mind. 2) Same as above. 3) I have no problem wearing a helmet for long periods of time. I wish helmets were quieter. I ride an 1800 Honda Goldwing. Bike is whisper quiet. Wind and road noise forces me to use ear plugs on rides over 20 to 30 minutes in duration. Lighter helmet would always be nice, but not at the risk of reduced protection. There is no reduced visibility when wearing a helmet. One of the biggest myths in the motorcycling world. Also the image of the wind in your hair experiencing the freedom of the road is way over rated. Riding a motorcycle is fatiguing enough without having a 70 to 80 mile an hour winding pounding on you for hours on end. No thanks. Last point I would like to make. I agree with sarge927's last point 100% Quote P.S.: My attitude about mandatory helmet laws is simple -- if there's no mandatory helmet law, then there should be a law stating any motorcycle rider who does not wear a helmet assumes all risks. The law should also allow insurance companies to refuse to cover motorcycle riders who suffer head injuries if they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. You want to ignore an obvious safety measure? OK, but if you get hurt because of your own ignorance then the consequences are entirely on you. End Quote Good Luck to All
It all depends on the local laws where you live. I live in Wisconsin on the Wisconsin / Michigan state line. In Wisconsin you don't need a helmet if you are over 18 but in Michigan you always need a helmet.
Even if it isn't required in your location you should ALWAYS wear one.
To those who don't wear a helmet, try this
Find a large immovable object like a large oak tree or a brick wall.
Stand about 30 paces away from this large immovable object
Run as fast as you can towards this large immovable object
As you get close to this large immovable object place your hands to your side, put your arms to your side, and put your face up, continue running as fast as you can.
Notice how it feels when you hit this large immovable object while you were running as fast as you could.
Most people can run about 15 MPH (24 km/h)
You are still in first gear with most motorcycles. With many motorcycles you can't get them out of first gear at this speed.
Think about how this impact would feel if you were going 4 or 5 times faster. By the way, did you notice that I suggested you hit this item face first? This is why you want a full face helmet.
Don't really try this test. I just use it to get my point across.
You never plan when you will have an accident
It is better to be wearing a helmet and not need it than to need a helmet and not be wearing one.
If you still insist on not wearing a helmet, good for you. You will help thin the herd and improve the gene pool.
I always wear a helmet. I had a chance to try out the effectiveness when I high sided in 1974 on a one week old Yamaha 360 Enduro. Yea not a very big bike but it was very capable and because of my youthful stupidity in riding over my head on the wrong tires for street use I high sided. I landed full on one arm thrown up for protection and my head then left shoulder. It knocked a big chuck out of the outer layer of my helmet - but not my head. I also broke a collar bone and recieved quite a bit of roadrash. Yea, I'll be wearing a helmet. It happens fast, you barely have time to "enjoy" it. I like the saying "if you don't feel you need a helmet...maybe you don't". Think about that one.