Helmet Safety

This newly invented super-foam is what I want furled inside my helmet in the event of a mishap:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0%2C%2C91221-1286736%2C00.html

Twenty-some odd years ago in Maryland, there was a man, who became well known as one of the most outspoken opponents of helmet laws. Interestingly, after several years of speaking out as an advocate for riding in the free winds, one day he became involved in a (helmet less) motorcycle crash, which resulted in his receiving a brain injury.

When this man recovered well enough to speak, he matured his mind, transmogrifying quickly over to the other side, as a pro-helmet safety spokesperson, and in 1992, became an integral part of shifting Maryland’s law back towards the requiring again of helmets for all riders.

However, it’s clear here that this headdress issue is not as simple as it may seem on the surface. E.g., “Helmets provide safety.” It is interesting hearing in this blog from experienced riders, how sometimes safety features can create new perils. Like helmets muffling off needed sounds and sights, or even larger truck mirrors creating blind spots in fronts of rigs, resulting in unseen motorcycles. I suppose that through necessity, helmets will eventually evolve, which offer wider visions and enhanced sound capabilities without compromising safety.

Brian originally posted here, “Your chances of being killed in a car is 1 in 18, 412. Your chances of being killed by a firearm are about 1 in 24,400. Your chances of being killed on a motorcycle are roughly 1 in 79,121. In any given year.”

However, when this statistic is examined closer, it should be remembered that more people drive cars than ride motorcycles. The death rate per mile traveled on motorcycles is 18-22 times higher than it is for passenger cars.

I found it interesting that when the author Ron Carlson led a writer’s workshop last summer at the Ezra Pound house, he was concerned that the bike he was given to ride was missing a complementary helmet. He announced, “I wonder what would happen if I feel to the pavement and crushed my skull.” It struck me that this learn’d man, who probably reads as many writers’ manuscripts as anyone in the Good ol’ U.S of A., was astutely guardian of what is and what should be most precious – that is what’s inside one’s own noggin.

Ron made me want to start using my own head for something besides a hat rack.