Monday, February 16, 2009

Should I Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?

By Frank Medley

Many who ride motorcycles always wear their helmet. But it's a rare drive where you don't see someone who is choosing not to wear a motorcycle helmet. Are they crazy? What are the reasons to wear a helmet?

If you could wear a motorcycle helmet, why wouldn't you? There are many reasons people choose not to wear a helmet. Some cannot afford one. Others don't want a law imposed on them, or like to feel 'free'.

There are also always stories circulating around motorcycle riders or someone who was injured or killed because of their helmet, much like those about seat belts. They therefore argue they're safer without one.

These tales are exaggerated and perpetuate a false stereotype. Numerous studies have shown that wearing a motorcycle helmet can help to prevent injury and death if a rider is involved in a crash.

Many motorcyclists live by the idea that a rider has either been in an accident, or will eventually be in one. This is because motorcyclists can be difficult to see, and a motorcycle is more prone than other vehicles to certain types of accidents.

The risk of major and minor accidents is the reason to always wear a motorcycle helmet, even for a short ride. They will help to prevent major injury to your head and neck f you have an accident.

Always remember to never buy a helmet used. If the helmet has been dropped or struck in an accident, it won't protect you, in the same way a bumper loses integrity after a crash. And you can often not tell if it has lost that integrity.

For those riders that still choose not to wear a motorcycle helmet, they may be in for a surprise. Many areas require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear them, and you can be ticketed and fined for failing to comply. - 16887

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