As a youngster I often rode a bicycle without a helmet. I frequently rode in cars without wearing a seat belt. I suppose there were other risky behaviors as well. No sunscreen at the beach. Running barefoot. Things like that. I saw nothing wrong with it. From time to time, as youngsters tend to do, I suppose I made fun at the expense of those who behaved more conservatively.

I suppose now that I am 50+ years old, I have more things I value, more knowledge of risk, and certainly, more people and things that I love. Perhaps it's just a bit greater sense of things I might lose, or a bit greater sensitivity to the feelings of those who might lose me. In any event, there seems to be a greater sense of caution on my part and a desire to minimize risk. So, yes, I wear a helmet and use seat belts and........., etc. These are my choices.

If asked about my behavior or for my opinion on another's behavior, I suppose I'd argue the reasons as they apply to me. Generally though, a desire to modify another's behavior is also something which has not been carried over from my youth, except where I have been blessed with responsibility for the sell being of another.

The seat belts and the helmet, though always worn, have never been tested in an accident. So, in fact, so far at least, my cautious behavior has been completely unnecessary. I hope it remains that way. I also hope that those who do not wear either helmet or belts are similarly blessed with no need for them.