john

I know this is just a sliver of arguments for and against but personally i think we should require helmet use for any sort of vehicle because most auto accidents involve head injury to the occupants. Plus I know when i slap on a helmet and drive, I feel more secure and safe (subconsciously or not) and so i drive a little more reckless(subconsciously or not). We could mandate a nascar getup, and so one could even run into a wall at 180 mph and maybe try and see how many somersaults the car could do. Would make a great youtube video.

But back on subject: I also feel it is very important to require others to wear helmets, cause i would feel so bad if I hurt you. as long as you have a helmet on, i can feel better about driving (or riding or racing) while distracted. Well, one negative to this is that one wouldn't be able to use the excuse: "but the victim was not wearing a helmet" (obviously the implication is its the victims fault), but anyway... The elderly should be required wear helmets too and (as long as we are at it) hip padding, especially while walking (and especially for master level cyclists who are shown to have low bone density). For the elderly, falls are second only to vehicle accidents in causing head injuries. Its for their own good. for if we can save just one life... ( the myriad of other issues and problems and threats to nature and other living creatures be damned). and ad nauseam

I will of course wear a helmet in a group ride or racing, cause its a dangerous activity and its required. But riding to the store to get groceries, Come on, nope! It has to be convenient, i want to step out the door and be hauling down the street in like 5 seconds. But I am riding slower, and I am aware of my surroundings at all time, and probably subconsciously a whole lot safer withOUT a helmet on.

Seriously though, if helmets are required for bicycle and motorcycle use, they should be required for ALL vehicle use . studies have shown that airbags and seatbelts don't really help with head injury in an auto accident... only helmets are effective.