When I lived in Michigan, I never saw folks riding without Helmets. Now that I'm in South Carolina, I see it all the time. If you live in a state with no Helmet law, please use the brains that you have and wear one anyway.
I've spent the first part of my day reconstructing the face and skull of a 41 year old, who wasn't wearing a Helmet and probably have another 6 - 8 more hours to go on him, just so his family can see him one more time to say goodbye.
I'm sure that riding without one might be a lot more "free" or "liberating", but when you're traveling at even modest speeds, our little eggshell heads don't do well against pavement, trees or other vehicles.
If nothing else, think about your family, and wear the ol' brain bucket when you're twisting the wrist on Mr. Max.
I second that. Even here in South Florida when it can reach 98 by 10am and I'm sitting in the middle of traffic going nowhere. The pavement and other cars can make it like 115-120F easy. I still would rather sweat to death then ride without one.
Yes there are always pros and cons. I myself like the fact that if I do have to leave. When viewing my body. Half of my face is not left on the pavement at ground zero.
In fact I'm so attached to my Helmet I wont even leave it with my bike. I carry it with me...who knows.
I understand your concern and appreciate your compassion, although I cant imagine your reaction being anything less having dealt with an experience such as you just described.
It is a state law in GA to wear a Helmet, and even if it wasnt, I would still wear one....most of the time.
RIding motorcycles is dangerous, with or without a Helmet. As Ive said earlier, my family has been in the business for over 40 yrs, I grew up around motorcycles, and have worked in the industry for 15yrs off and on. Ive lost my fair share of friends and family to accidents, most have had DOT Helmets on at the time of the accident.
I'm sure the statistics show that Helmets are safer than not, but my experience has been its a crap shoot. In my last street accident, had I not been wearing a good Helmet, I too would have lost my face (the laides would have be FURIOUS). For me, a Helmet is confidence booster, an excuse to take another risk, to push it a little harder.
Take all the precautions you can, but I still dont think there is anything safe about riding a motorcycle, and thats part of what makes it so much fun.
Never liked wearing a Helmet, but now with Max coming I've accepted the fact that it's necessary. Now instead of 1, I have a dozen to choose from, and intend to use them. I will always insist my rider has 1 on too. Not just Helmets either, the
has given cause for "gearing up" for it, and I hope everyone here has some riding protection they plan on using. God forbid anything happen to any one of us, but there's no sense in riding without adeqate protection. Be careful out there, and use your head, be visible & be protected.
When I lived in Michigan, I never saw folks riding without Helmets. Now that I'm in South Carolina, I see it all the time. If you live in a state with no Helmet law, please use the brains that you have and wear one anyway.
I've spent the first part of my day reconstructing the face and skull of a 41 year old, who wasn't wearing a Helmet and probably have another 6 - 8 more hours to go on him, just so his family can see him one more time to say goodbye.
I'm sure that riding without one might be a lot more "free" or "liberating", but when you're traveling at even modest speeds, our little eggshell heads don't do well against pavement, trees or other vehicles.
If nothing else, think about your family, and wear the ol' brain bucket when you're twisting the wrist on Mr. Max.
Best to you all...
Dave
I second that. Had to whiteness a Helmet-less slow speed crash (<35mph) at Stardays a few years ago from which the rider never recovered again.
Good advice and include leather Jacket and pants with that as well, even when it's hot. Eventhough you're being careful someone else might make a mistake.
I understand your concern and appreciate your compassion, although I cant imagine your reaction being anything less having dealt with an experience such as you just described.
It is a state law in GA to wear a Helmet, and even if it wasnt, I would still wear one....most of the time.
RIding motorcycles is dangerous, with or without a Helmet. As Ive said earlier, my family has been in the business for over 40 yrs, I grew up around motorcycles, and have worked in the industry for 15yrs off and on. Ive lost my fair share of friends and family to accidents, most have had DOT Helmets on at the time of the accident.
I'm sure the statistics show that Helmets are safer than not, but my experience has been its a crap shoot. In my last street accident, had I not been wearing a good Helmet, I too would have lost my face (the laides would have be FURIOUS). For me, a Helmet is confidence booster, an excuse to take another risk, to push it a little harder.
Take all the precautions you can, but I still don't think there is anything safe about riding a motorcycle, and that's part of what makes it so much fun.
Great post, Biff - and so very true. I have had 8 people through our funeral home in the past 2 years from motorcycle accidents - all but 3 (counting today) had his/her Helmet on. Certainly, depending upon the circumstances, the Helmet doesn't always save your life.
However, from my perspective - the Helmet WILL save your skull and face. The body can be broken to pieces and put back together. Add some clothing and the family trauma is comparatively minimal... but the face/skull is a TOTALLY different story. If your family can see you and more importantly "recognize" you, it is much better for them and their process of closure. That was where I was coming from.
Thanks for your thoughts, folks... I'm just wanting to "put that awareness out there", because I'm coming from a particularly unique angle, due to my job.
I totally agree.....Also from South Florida, and the heat and Helmet law makes it enticing not to wear one (but all I have to think about is my 3 year old son at home, and on goes the lid).
I've probably ridden 3 times without a lid, once with the wife, and was just not comfortable...so we don't go anywhere without them.
Also, I have never worn a Jacket, I started this year because of the guys I ride with....one qoute got me started: "I'd rather be hot than soaking in a bathtub of peroxide"I'm fully covered now except with the 'ol lady when we do our sunday morn cruise.
This is good advice for everyone who rides. I think some of us take it for granted and too often go without our safety gear. I've been in two potentially bad get off's, the last of which occured at around 75 mph.
I was fully geared up and walked away with only minor injuries. I still wear the Jacket from time to time, just 'cuz I like it, but it serves as a good reminder of what could have happened.
The problem is, I think a lot of us become complacent and tend to take our personal safety for granted.
It sucks to be too hot and uncomfortable, etc., but it's very preferable to the alternative. I've personally spent a lot of $$ on hi-tech gear, mostly for the sake of comfort. You know, the perfed chaps and Jackets and the Helmets with the trick vent systems. Trouble is, it's still not as "free" as just jeans and a tee shirt and I too often don't gear up fully.
Thanks for the reality check, you may have saved some of us more greif then you realize.
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God forbid anything happen to any one of us, but there's no sense in riding without adeqate protection. Be careful out there, and use your head, be visible & be protected.
