Originally Posted by
Patriot
Why have head injury rates not really changed? The answer is simple. People really are more wreckless when they wear a helmet, as it gives them a subconscious feeling of empowerment. ********, I know. But true, none the less.
That's a contributing factor for sure. Here is my list of *possible* reasons:
1) A person with a helmet on feels that their head is protected, so
they won't try as hard to keep from hitting it on the ground. An
analogy I like that most people can relate to, is carrying a fine
camera in your hand while negotiating rugged ground. If you fall, will
you try to save the camera or not (ie by not letting it hit the
ground)? What if it was in a padded styrofoam case that you thought
would allow it to survive dropping?
2) A helmet makes it more difficult to keep from hitting the ground
when tumbling or falling backward, since it sticks out 1-3 inches.
3) Some people will take more risks while wearing a helmet than they
would otherwise.
4) Helmets are designed to take direct hits, but the vast majority of
bike crashes involve glancing blows. Brain and neck damage caused by
sudden rotation would be more likely with a helmet on than without.
5) Most serious injuries and death involve getting hit by cars... and
helmets are little help against those kind of impacts. There is also some
evidence that drivers give unhelmeted riders more room.