It's my guess that the OP has personally experienced, or witnessed, the loss of personal freedom that can result from a minor incident
that results in a major life change due to a lack of protection.

Before any smart azz remarks, the only gloves I wear are in the winter to keep my hands warm, my feet are protected by sneakers not boots,
I wore helmets even when not required because of personal experience/observation of the effects of a head injury, etc.

Of course I have only been riding 56 years so other people may have different experiences/values.

 

I don't get upset when i see someone smoking cigarettes, drinking excessive alcohol, eating junk food or packing around an extra 50 pounds or more of body fat. All of those will kill you. Each to his own. Ride on.

 

My mother gets so flipped out driving her car I doubt she'll be driving much longer, don't be her. She's afraid to drive in her old age.

 

She gets so flipped out she doesn't even make a good passenger and it's like mom if you keep this up you're going to confine yourself to the house

 

I'm in South Florida.
I think I saw the same guy.
But MY guy wasn't wearing eye protection either.
And this was on 95!!
Hey.......it's their body.
But I'm sure one good dose of road rash will seriously change their dressing habits.

 

I had a friend go down at 110 mph from a tank slapper. Stuck a handlebar on the tank. He had just come back from partying at the lake and was only wearing jeans, tee shirt, and low cut sneakers. No socks, and no helmet. This was before mandatory helmets.
He recalled sliding for a while on one side, got close to the bike, pushed off and slid on the other side. For what seemed like a mile to him.
Ground away bone in his elbows, shoulders, and ankles. He was covered in road rash. If you ever wanted to see a grown man cry and beg to die that was it.
Was he stupid? Yes. Did he regret it? Hell yes.
I try not to do stupid things anymore.

 

It’s called Freedom to choose …..

 

I have a wife and kids who count on me getting back home in 1 piece from a ride. I dress and ride to make sure that happens. Nothing else matters.

 

Had to share this.

 

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Ride safe!!