I'm not saying helmet laws are a good thing. I think that's a whole different debate. I'm saying that regardless of the law, a full face helmet is a really, really good idea.I think the point of this whole debate has been lost. You ask anyone, biker or not, and they'll all agree that wearing a helmet is absolutely the smart and safe thing to do. Kinda like wearing seatbelts in cars or carrying a handgun. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
I fortunately live in a state that allows me to make up my own mind on my personal safety and forego it if I so choose. You make think I'm crazy, I call it freedom. With so many other freedoms slowly being taken away all the time, this is one I will still take advantage of on occasion.... not all the time, but sometimes. And I can tell you this.... it's a glorious thing.
That is what has always been at the heart of the debate: The freedom to choose for yourself. Motorcycle riding (for the most part) is a solitary activity and in the event of an accident: the wearing of a helmet will only affect one person- the rider. So why the hell does anyone else have any business telling that rider what to wear. Sure they can recommend anything they want but they shouldn't be able to dictate anything. And I know you're going to say something about the riders family will be affected, and I can't/won't argue that.. but it's really like bungee jumping and rock climbing or anything else dubbed "extreme": you can die at any moment. Hell you can die in the shower.
Personally, I wear my seatbelt everytime I drive. Wearing one has saved my mother from serious injury once and myself twice. I will always wear it and not just because it's the law... because I weighed the risks for myself and started and it became habit... and luckily it has worked out for me. I know plenty of people that don't wear them and I think they're nuts, but I sure as hell don't condescend them for making that choice.
It's called respect, give it and it will be returned. Disrespect will and should be met with a swift kick in the teeth.
Of course, sitting at a keyboard gives everyone the courage to do/say things they wouldn't do in the real world. I guess that really is what forums are all about.
As for courage on the forums: This forum is like a group of friends hanging out at the bar. We may not physically be together, but we're hanging out and shootin' the shiat just the same. If you were physically with me, hanging out somewhere, I would tell you the same thing. I think not wearing a helmet is unintelligent. It's not daring or exciting like bunjee jumping and rock climbing. Go bunjee jumping without checking the knot. Go rock climbing without chalk. That's about the same level. It's about reducing the risk of the dangerous thing we do. Hell, I'm ex Army, man! I've done some stupid shiat! Doesn't mean it was a good idea.
