Should Motorcyclists always Wear Helmets – Disagree
I disagree with the opinion that motorcyclists should always wear helmets. I believe that it is unnecessary to always wear one, and that it should be a matter of personal choice.
I live in the UK, where it is compulsory to wear a helmet at all times, when riding or pillion on a motorcycle. I do not agree with this, but having said that, I am well aware that there are too many idiots loose in society, who need protecting from themselves.
As a teenager, I travelled by motorcycle to Italy with a group of friends. At that time, Italy's laws did not require a helmet to be worn, and so, as soon as we crossed the border into Italy, we all removed our helmets. It was fun and it was exciting, and given the opportunity I would do it again, even though I have since been involved in a collision with a car, where the helmet saved my face from extensive damage.
I do not feel the need to wear a helmet for short journeys around my own neighbourhood, although when travelling at high speeds, I think that it is important to wear a helmet. It will keep the head warm and dry when the weather is bad, and it will also protect from projectiles, such as stones and even insects. A high speed impact from a large insect is not pleasant and can be very painful.
It is generally recommended that when riding motorcycles, full protective equipment should be worn. This means not only a helmet, but also a sturdy pair of boots, gloves and leather jacket and jeans. A lot of motorcycle riders wear a helmet because the law requires it, but don't bother with the rest, especially during the summer, when it is hot. In the event of an accident a lot of damage will be done to the body, but the head will be protected. From that point of view, why bother wearing the helmet?
In a high speed accident, the helmet may save your skull from damage during the impact, but the forces involved in the collision can still cause the brain to be jolted around inside the skull, resulting in irreparable damage to the brain. They could also cause the vertebrae in the neck to snap, causing death or paralysis. Wearing a helmet does not guarantee survival of a collision.
Even though I disagree, I would choose to wear a helmet most of the time when riding. It would just be nice to be able to choose. I am, after all, supposed to be a responsible adult.
