Another rider in our large (75+ cyclists) Saturday ride lost control after hitting an object in the road (that NOBODY called out!!) and hit me at 22mph a couple months back. Ended up going over the handlebars eventually landing on the asphalt on the front right side of my head and face. Brand new Specialized helmet saved my noggin' from what could have been some pretty serious damage. Helmet was trashed but I'll NEVER go out on a ride without one. Ever. Today's helmets are so light and non-intrusive that they are no real inconvenience... and the potential benefit they pay back for the wearer, just in case? ...priceless. First thing the EMT guy said to me was "Good thing you had that helmet on, buddy".

As for the guy who hit me and went down? ... three broken ribs and a punctured lung. Ouch.