🚀 go-pugleaf

dlinford@dogmatix.helix.net (D.Linford) wrote:
>>>Why do motorcyclists wear them?
>
>>I've been keeping an eye on this since I started motorcycling about seven
>>years ago. A motorcycle helmet will reduce your chance of death from head 
>>injury by %50, resulting in an overall fataity decrease of about 7%, since
>>most people die from chest wounds, bleeding, etc. Helmet law enactment
>
>	You should keep in mind that their real (though not stated)
>concern with motorcycles is money. If you wear a helmet, you will
>likely die, or get better. Without one, you could be in a coma for a
>long time at government expense... Related to the the major reason for
>sliding the lower speed limits in during the oil crisis too.

The cost to the government isn't that high. Helmets are an easy 'fix' for a
problem caused by all-round bad driving and poor roads (have you seen those
yellow ridges on the roads before roundabouts? They are dangerous to a
motorcyclist).  Introducing a mandatory helmet law lets the government be seen
as 'caring and doing something'.

But, even though they've been around for so long the design still leaves a lot
to be desired. At the moment they  transfer some of the risk from your head to
your neck, because of the extra weight of the helmet but lack of neck
protection. Also if you're knocked unconcious there are an awful lot of
'helpful' twits who promptly try to remove the helmet. I think I'd prefer a
coma to being paralysed from the neck down, although I'd much prefer not to
have an accident at all. On the other hand I wouldn't ride my motorbike without
a helmet because of the speed (and also the essential eye protection).

I think it's interesting that many of the major motorcycle campaign groups want
voluntary helmet use. (including MAG).

Jo
-- 
 __________________________________________________
|                            |                     |
|   Hug a furry animal       | jmf@sanger.ac.uk    |
|         today              |                     |
|____________________________|_____________________|