For a different viewpoint...

**AD345** · 10th June 2010, 20:54

we go to our reporter on the scene.

The sacred cow of helmet wearing gets some knocks

**dipshit** · 10th June 2010, 21:27

Fuck I can't stand stupid retarded Americans.

**Taz** · 10th June 2010, 21:32

Originally Posted by dipshit

Fuck I can't stand stupid retarded Americans.

Not like looking in a mirror is it?

**Jonathan** · 10th June 2010, 22:38

I am with the retarded Americans on this one. YeeeHaw!

**Urano** · 11th June 2010, 01:24

pretty funny, anyway, that in usa it's mandatory to wear goggles (if a bug enters your eye you can go and kill someone, so it is not your business only) but not to wear helmet.

this is one of the occasions in which intelligent people do something not because it's mandatory, but because it's right and smart to do it...
as soon as they pay for their hospital days... is their own business, so legally i can't disagree with them, but i can't consider so cool those who don't wear helmet and tech wear...

**Katman** · 11th June 2010, 08:37

Interesting thought though.......

I wonder how much our situational awareness would improve and how much safer we'd all ride if helmets were outlawed.

**rastuscat** · 11th June 2010, 09:00

Yes, interesting concept.

The ACC law took away personal responsibility when it was introduced. You can be as stupid as you want and if you get injured the state will pay.

Then ACC decided to change the rules and target motorcyclists due to the fact that motorcycling is more risky.

In Oz I am aware of a state that doesn't cover your injuries if the safety gear isn't worn e.g. get a hand injury while motorcycling with no gloves and you'll have to pay for your own medical care.

That's what personal responsibility means.

Not sure how I feel about it.

**T.W.R** · 11th June 2010, 09:02

Originally Posted by Katman

Interesting thought though.......

I wonder how much our situational awareness would improve and how much safer we'd all ride if helmets were outlawed.

about the same as when helmets were made law for motorcycles travelling over 30mph in 1955 and when it was made compulsory for both rider and pillion regardless of speed in 1973

**Transalper** · 11th June 2010, 09:28

I'd wear my helmet whether the law said I should or not.
I'm one of those who thought I could do no wrong until I got caught out and the incident involved hitting my head on the ground.
I'd be living a very different life now or dead if it weren't for my helmet.
Helmets can save you a lot more suffering than they cause and that's the bottom line for me.

**Katman** · 11th June 2010, 10:02

Originally Posted by T.W.R

about the same as when helmets were made law for motorcycles travelling over 30mph in 1955 and when it was made compulsory for both rider and pillion regardless of speed in 1973

Not really the same though, is it?

In fact it's like........the opposite.

**CookMySock** · 11th June 2010, 10:05

Originally Posted by Katman

I wonder how much our situational awareness would improve and how much safer we'd all ride if helmets were outlawed.

Indeed, Steve. Consider also if insurance was suddenly banned. Would everyone be much more careful?

Safety nets just make us braver and mitigate the consequences. They don't necessarily make us safer.

Steve

**Headbanger** · 11th June 2010, 10:13

Originally Posted by Katman

Interesting thought though.......

I wonder how much our situational awareness would improve and how much safer we'd all ride if helmets were outlawed.

The awareness of my situation would prompt me to wear a helmet.

Funny enough though, that very argument (people would take greater care as the risk of death is higher) has been put forward a number of times by pro-cheese cutter motorcyclists (or ex-motorcyclists) of course they top it up with the additional argument that bikes are dangerous so no matter what the hell happens its all good, and if you don't deliberately take the most dangerous action then your weak.

If they did indeed live according to this belief. they would be riding drag bikes,naked, on the wrong side of the road, This would of course result in a positive result, they wouldn't post retarded ideas on forums.

My belief is, If that course of action is more likely to result in death, then more people will go and get themselves killed. Pretty damn simple.

**Katman** · 11th June 2010, 11:01

The fact is that, our greatest safety device (greater than all other safety devices put together) sits right between our ears.

Is a pity that so many haven't discovered theirs yet.

**CookMySock** · 11th June 2010, 11:14

Originally Posted by Katman

Is a pity that so many haven't discovered theirs yet.

You can't fix the world Steve, and you'll only sacrifice yourself in trying to. If you are happy with your own situation then leave them to burn, it's not your heart attack.

Steve

**Katman** · 11th June 2010, 11:17

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

You can't fix the world Steve, and you'll only sacrifice yourself in trying to. If you are happy with your own situation then leave them to burn, it's not your heart attack.

You still haven't got it yet, have you?

It does become our concern when the actions of idiots adversely impact on the rest of us.