Why should i Wear a Motorcycle Helmet – Agree
To reiterate many other opinions here, the question shouldn't even be one of mandatory laws requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet, it should be just plain old common sense! I've been riding for three decades now, always helmeted and knowing that I'm not just obeying the law here in Australia (where helmet laws have existed since before I was born in the 70's) but that I'm doing all I can to make sure my family won't have to face the prospect of looking after me in a brain-dead capacity post accident should the unthinkable happen.
To be honest, the idea of riding without a helmet to me is simply selfish. If you're a motorcyclist reading this thinking you've never had a fall and never will... you're either lying or you not really riding! The other side of the argument, particularly here in Australia is the cost to our Public Health purse. To allow riding without helmets at a time when more and more riders are appearing on our roads for the fuel-economy but commute on two wheels thinking that they are immune to what happens to 'bikers' would be like handing out cigarettes to teenagers on the corner and saying, "Here, you're not going to get cancer 'cause you're young!". The cost to our hospital, rehabilitation and care facilities would be astronomical.
In terms of freedoms, helmet design and technology have come light years in the thirty years I've been riding. My first open face that I had as a kid on a 50cc trail bike was nothing more than a fibreglass shell with a bit of padding to stop it rubbing on your head. Now you get well fitted, comfortably padded, high tech' shells with crumple zones, composite materials and all kinds of technology available such as two way radio, built in speakers and soon, head up displays that will plug into your bike's computer. There are even a range of trendy, stylish retro-styled helmets for those looking for a more minimalist image. Personally, picking the bugs out of my teeth and rinsing the grit out of my eyes was never that appealing in the first place.
Growing up in a small country town I can also say that the idea of being 'cool' by riding without a helmet went out the window when a local football legend chose to show off by riding helmet free down the main street one Sunday morning. One little bit of gravel and he not only ended up with mild brain damage but broke his ankle so badly he never played football again (no boots... hmmm, seems to be a theme appearing here). I can tell you from personal experience that flying over the roof of a small white hatchback that didn't look for a bike at 80kms per hour would have been a hell of a lot scarier without my helmet, jacket, kevlar jeans, boots, gloves AND segmented back protector. I got up and was able to walk away with nothing but bruising and a minor fracture. How many of you anti-helmet riders could make a similar claim? Nope, pull your head in, think of your family, think of your responsibility to your community and put a bloody helmet on or... DON'T RIDE!
