Dr. Mark Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 There was a time when this was not even a question for me. If I was in a helmet free state, the lid came off at the state line. As I have gotten older, my feelings on this have changed, considerably. Now, I think your helmet should be your personal choice. I think that it's pretty simple: if you don't want to wear a helmet, you shouldn't have to...just check the organ donor box, and the rule doesn't apply to you. That's my solution. The range of helmets now available is pretty amazing, and the protection ranges from essentially nil for the "non-DOT, fool the cops, novelty-only" bucket lids to pretty damn impressive with an expensive full-face SNELL/DOT with a 'bullet-proof' polycarbonate visor. My personal preference is complicated. I'd (probably) still go helmetless in downtown Daytona, and MG and I both have done that. It gives me the willies now, though, even though you never get over 20 or 30 mph. A couple of years ago, a real good friend of ours was enroute to Bikeweek at Daytona, and had just pulled into Florida. He got gas and as he was pulling out of the damn gas station, he hit a tiny patch of oily water and slid sideways. The other guys riding with him said it was about the most unimpressive wreck on a bike they'd ever seen...he just sort of flopped over at less than 10mph....except my buddy hit his head on the curb. He had just removed his helmet when they got to Pensacola. He died three days later, never regaining consciousness. He was 55 at the time, and had a wife and two daughters. I love the feeling of the wind in my hair and face, with nothing on but goggles or prescription shades. But, damn, man...now I got a wife, and a kid on the way. I really want to see that kid grow up, and see MG finally get to be a mom. Or worse....I can't stand the thought of MG coming to visit me in the nursing home, and me laying there, a drooling, shitting, pissing idiot. The lights on, and no one home. There was one tonight. A guy younger than me was brought in. Same old story. You've heard it a million times. Could happen to any of us. HAS happened to many of us. Someone pulled out right in front of him. "Honest to god I didn't see him!"... as if that matters. He was wearing a skid lid. It didn't afford him any protection at all. He had some broken bones, but no major injuries that weren't survive-able, easily...except he was leaking grey matter out his ears. Hit his head on the pavement at 45 miles an hour and the ''novelty' helmet shattered. Fractured skull, intracranial bleeding, game over. A decent helmet...even a good 200 dollar half helmet, and this guy would probably be talking to his wife and kids tonight. Damn. Just....damn. Be safe out there, my brothers and sisters. Remember that we are fucking invisible. And consider wearing a helmet. A GOOD one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DienCaiDau Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I agree with you, Doc. I live in New Hampshire, a helmet free state. For a long time I did not wear a helmet, now that I am older and wiser, I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber Rydr Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I spent a number of years in Air rescue and working the streets. I can't count the number of times I've heard "if they would of had a helmet on......" I only wore one when I had to when I was younger. I wear a full face helmet now, because when I had on a half helmet or no helmet, all I could see were the 100's of people we picked up that didn't wear one......it was simply not worth it.....and my life insurance doesn't have to pay if I'm injured without a helmet...... I agree, people should be able to chose whether or not they want to wear a helmet. BUT, if you chose not to, I shouldn't have to pay for your feeding tubes, health aides, diapers, etc.......to each his own. Several of the guys I ride with take theirs off as soon as we hit the state line, one guy does it while he is still rolling down the highway......that's their choice.......more power to them. Just not for me (99% of the time.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallRider Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Doc . . . and now that you're going to be a Dad . . . does that add yet another reason to keep that noggin' covered? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maninbox Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 As a yute in New York, I learned to ride with a helmet because there was no choice in that state. When I moved to California in 1977, I couldn't wait to ride without one. But after the first long ride with bugs and rocks and sand blowing every which way, I went back to the helmet. It became the law in CA soon afterwards. So I vote helmet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 You should wear one because of all the hammers.... right Danny.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Doc . . . and now that you're going to be a Dad . . . does that add yet another reason to keep that noggin' covered? I was already feeling that way, that just reinforced it. To, like the power of ten... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary2Wheels Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Over the years,I've had two 'over th bars' episodes,with last one grinding up the front of the helmet,as I got a close up of the pavement....both would have ushered me out early,were it not for the helmet.I prefer an open face Arai along with a windshield... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycorn Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 i'v totaled one and bent one up in a ditch one not my fault one was stood up and walked off from both 15 stitches and some foot xrays from one and rode home from the other no helmet leather hat stayed on thru both dont condone it wont preach so far we'v all got home safe because we'r lucky or skilled or some combination of the two the only thing that changes is your ability as you pile on the miles... my pop bought me a DOT half that i wear for him but not all the time i escaped adding to the population fwiw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenB Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 As has been said, this is a personal decision. I believe the guy-mnt should not be deciding this for me. I'm an adult, I've read the available data from both sides of this arguement, and I've made my decision. I wear a very well made carbon fiber non dot helmet in the summer and a 3/4 dot helmet in the winter. My life. My body. My choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDFATGUYRACING Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Having been riding and racing since 7 years old I have had many crashes. A few on the street, and many on the track and in the woods. I always wear one off road, even when just joy riding the trails. On the road, most of the time i go without. It should be a choice, like so many other things that are slowly being taken away from us. I have been cutoff, run up on the side walk, etc.... like most of us here. We have got to drive for everyone else around us. Especially now, with cells, texting, ipods, email, gps, and everything else that distracts other drivers. Be careful out there boys and see you in Branson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indian T Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I was caught in a wicked sandstorm while riding in California a few years ago. It was exactly like standing in front of someone with a sandblasting hose turned on and trying to blast you off you're bike. With my bald head, I'm glad I had the helmet on that time (Cali law)...I would have been blasted bald if I didn't have the helmet and I had hair. Was riding in Iowa last season, and took a rock the size of a quarter to the skull that was kicked up by an on-coming truck. Wish i was wearing a helmet that time. It hurt like a motherfucker. Thought I was going to pass out, but kept upright and on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisBBiker Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 And one more reason, OFGR, a lot more narco's out there who can't wait until they drive home to shoot up or snort. At least 1-2 a week in the local paper that pass out while driving. Crazy scary! (Sorry I'm late to the thread but thought it needed to be said!) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisBBiker Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) And one more reason, OFGR, a lot more narco's out there who can't wait until they drive home to shoot up or snort. At least 1-2 a week in the local paper that pass out while driving. Crazy scary! (Sorry I'm late to the thread but thought it needed to be said!) Edited May 9, 2012 by ChrisBBiker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 i like to choose...sometimes I wear my lid and sometimes I dont. usually wear it on trips or bad weather...around house or on short runs or if brutally hot and in traffic...nope. wont tell others what to wear....it is a risk...we all take risk every day no matter whether you ride or not and you pick and choose. Jumping out of airplanes, scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock crawling, rugby, martial arts, boxing, car racing, motocross, skateboarding, skiing, boarding, hunting, kayaking, hiking, cave exploring, military service to support our country overseas in combat, flying a plane, flying a helicopter, flying a glider or ultralight, surfing, spearfishing, freediving, base jumping, firefighting, riding bulls, riding broncos, carpenter, roughnecking, ............... choose your own acceptable risk.....let others choose theirs. peace! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHIEF DOC 99 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) May is Motorcycle Awareness Month! The mandatory Helmet Law in Michigan was modified for qualified riders here in May. I notice way more than half the younger 'still immortal' riders are going lidless nowadays. It may be good for tourism, just hope the head injuries don't skyrocket. The organ donor signoff card idea is a good'un Doc Mark. Edited May 11, 2012 by CHIEF DOC 99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2blackbelts Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Honestly, I can't stand the wind noise without a helmet, even with ear plugs. Thats one of the main reasons I wear a helmet as well as a safety factor. 2 bb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boss Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 I have worn a helmet all my life and now when the chance arrives I just keep it on. It never felt right when I take it off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHIEF DOC 99 Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 I have worn a helmet all my life and now when the chance arrives I just keep it on. It never felt right when I take it off. I don't know how many times I have rode off with out a lid or glasses on ~ usually within a mile I am reminded by the 'too free feeling' to stop or turn around to the spot I parked 'em & get 'em on...never did like the weighty feel of a DOT approved helm though ~ been ridin' quite a while with that leather covered novelty job...it kinda looks like a helmet they wore in the 20s...goodenuff for my noggin though I know if you go down, you're probably going to whipsaw your head into the pavement most every time for sure ~ just makes you ride a bit more careful is my take on it. Concusions are serious business and the brain can only swell up so much inside that skull for sure. This goes hand in hand with being the only mechanic to touch, torque or repair the scoot...still accidents do happen. Guess I have some helmet shoppin' to do after all ~ maybe there is a DOT approved helmet I could wear...somewhere...haven't found it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troll Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Should be your choice, not a law, but I vote for a skid lid..... I had a bird hit me in the side of the head one day - almost lost it. He hit the side of my Bell helmet. I always wear one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badndn Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 I don't see where it is anbodys business but mine. I never wear a helmet unless mandated.Everything has a risk. Do you smoke? Overeat? Drink? Take prescription or OTC drugs? etc. etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maninbox Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 Just playing devil's advocate here so I guess that most here are good with indirectly paying huge medical costs associated with traumatic brain injuries from non-helmeted riders. That is the real argument behind mandatory helmet laws. Now we all know that helmets don't do much for serious crashes but there are plenty of stories about low speed fall overs that result in head injuries. I don't need to tell you that a brain injury can easily result in hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in medical costs. We all pay for that one way or another. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blu Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 Just playing devil's advocate here so I guess that most here are good with indirectly paying huge medical costs associated with traumatic brain injuries from non-helmeted riders. That is the real argument behind mandatory helmet laws. Now we all know that helmets don't do much for serious crashes but there are plenty of stories about low speed fall overs that result in head injuries. I don't need to tell you that a brain injury can easily result in hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in medical costs. We all pay for that one way or another. You sir are 100% correct. I'd also like to stop paying for the medical costs of smokers and those who are trying to eat themselves to death. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkrider Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 i would ride butt-ass naked if i could. I wouldnt even put a helmet on my wang. what better way to be seen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sting Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 I am so glad you posted this, Mark. Lately I have been taking liberties with not wearing my fullfaced or my new Bell "Speed Shop" half helmet, and riding around without one on. I have a business with 180 employees, and more importantly a wife, three young kids...all that depend on me...and my brain...to work and support them. If something were to happen, becuase I was stupid, then a lot of people would suffer as well. I agree with most...it is personal choice and no government should tell us to wear one or not. But, I operate two nursing homes, and I have seen over the years the results of people who made the wrong decisions. Most were in wheelchairs, some were vegetables. Their buddies will come and visit them for a month...maybe two, then they stop coming and the victim is left alone, except for close family who are in it for the long run. Sad, but true. It's just something to think about. Who will your life impact if you were in an accident? For me, I need to put mine on all the time...even in town. Thanks for reminding me of that, Mark. To be honest, I like the fullfaced one better becuase of the noise and bugs. I do not like wearing that half helmet without a windshield. Dang! It's extremely noisy and bugs hitting your face at 60mph is NOT fun!! Plus, the fullfaced will protect my pretty face if I go down....hahaha! Good topic, good discussion guys! Sting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.