Half helmets for me. Personally I think it should be YOUR choice. Tim

 

When riding here in NC, I wear a 1/2 all the time no matter the temp. The wife rides with a full in the cold. In a state where I can choose, I go without. BTW here's an article that I found interesting & thought I would share.

"FLORIDA STATS SHOW HELMETLESS RIDERS LESS LIKELY TO DIE Not only do recently released injury and fatality statistics for 2004 in the state of Florida dispel predictions of a blood bath following repeal of that state's helmet law, but reveal that motorcyclists wearing helmets were more likely to sustain an injury or suffer a fatality than their non-helmeted counterparts.

According to the recently released, Florida Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles annual Traffic Crash Statistics Report for 2004, of the 388
motorcycle riders killed in crashes on Florida roads last year, over 51% were
wearing helmets. The crash facts also demonstrate that riders wearing helmets
were more likely to sustain injuries than non-helmeted riders.

In each of the statistical focus topics presented in the study, the percentage
numbers were very close between helmeted and non- helmeted riders, except for
non-injury crashes. The study stated that non- helmeted riders were 20% more
likely to walk away from a crash without injuries than riders who were wearing
helmets.

The huge increase in death and injury to non-helmeted motorcycle riders,
predicted by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) in a
report released this summer, has not been substantiated, and in fact was disproved. "

 

I didn't believe the report, so I looked it up... It showed similar results. However, it also stated that the other injuries were included
Following is a snippet. I couldn't copy the table in here where it looked good, so here is the link to the report as well.

From 1998 though... Still looking for more recent.

While the use of protective equipment by motorcyclists and their passengers (Table 1A) is
expected to be more effective in preventing incapacitating and fatal injury, the inclusion of all types of
bodily injuries for motorcyclists and their passengers fails to show the true effect of safety helmet use.

Clicky For report in pdf

Just found 2002 report, here is table



And here is the link to the 2002 report (13mb)
Clicky for 2002 report

 

I have a 1/2 that I carry in my bag in case I start to go down. I will swiftly reach back and open the latches and grab my helmet, strap it on just in the knick of time before my head hits the pavement. In the winter I wear a fire red stocking cap to keep my head warm and let people see me coming.

 

Hey it worked except now instead of 6' 5" I'm only 6'! And on a serious note, when quoting statistics, you have to look a little deeper than just the total numbers. For instance, if the majority of the helmet wearers were on crotch rockets doing 100 mph recklessly when they bit it that would skew the numbers compared to a guy doing 40 mph riding safe. Skidding your face on concrete will do more damage without a helmet. A rock that is kicked up into your face at 70 mph will do more damage to your face without a helmet than with one on. I don't need a study to determine whether I'll wear one. Nothing against those who don't - maybe by the time I'm 65 I won't give a s*** anymore!

 

I agree completely.

Was just discussing with my wife the same thing...

Aren't statistics fun how you can make them say anything you want?

 

Looked at that study on Florida Stats on motorcycles crashes in 2004. Those numbers do not prove wearing a helmet is less safe. They are a compilation of numbers not a scientific study. And if the numbers were reversed, it wouldn't mean wearing helmets were safer either. What we do know is that there are a number of factors relating to accidents (crashes) that are far more significant than whether or not you were wearing a helmet. Reckless behavior, drinking and riding, lack of experience can kill you quicker than by not having a helmet on. A helmet adds a degree of safety but it less likely to protect a reckless rider than a safe one. You take risks everytime you get on your bike, all that matters is how much risk are you willing to accept. I hope no one here becomes a statistic with or without a helmet!!!!! Safe Riding Guys!

 

I have a Carbon Fiber 1/2 Helmet (not DOT), been thinking of purchasing the DOT approved version discussed in another post

 

I have a half with a full faced for a back-up but rarely use it. I just add the ear-flaps and wrap up with a scarf in the cold riding days! In summer I'm ready to go with the half -faced blowing in the breeze with the vents open!

 

I wear Ummmm,

well, it's green, no face mask, and kinda soft.

OK, IT'S A LIME DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop pressuring me!!

What was the question??

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, 0130 hours again with MIller LigHt! What can I say?!
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