On Wednesday 24 Sep 2003 12:15, you wrote:

> Helmet laws.....another good one.   Chris I think you missed the point
> about helmets.  With out one, you do not need major head injury,
> you simplly get killed!!!.  With a helmet, there is a good chance you
> will live, but  break your back and be unable to move the rest of your
> life. I've seen this frist hand..........................
>                                           Eric

Erm...Eric: You *are* joking, aren't you? If not, I think *you* miss the
point. Even a most minor fall from the bike can result in head trauma
without a helmet. If it were a case of:

1       live without movement, in a wheelchair, dependant on others to wash you
in the morning, clean you up after using the toilet, put you to bed...

or

2       simply get killed

I know which one I'd choose. However, that is not the choice. A relatively
minor head injury can leave you with recurrent seizures, persistent
migraines, forgetfulness, change of personality etc. You can also end up
with hemiplegia, neuralgia, neuroplegia...

When post-traumatic symptoms occur, these are far more likely than instant
death. *Now* answer me, which would you prefer? I know my answer - I work
in health care and have seen many motorcyclists walk away from accidents
*because* they were wearing a helmet.

Also, have you ever seen how much skin will be removed from your body in a
minor slide, say from 15mph? The helmet protects your head against
abrasive damage, your hands will be ripped to shreds. There's more to it
that just impact protection - that's why you would be far wiser to wear
good quality leathers as well. The choice is obviously the individual's.
Some make a wiser choice than others.

Your argument is far too simplistic.
--
Tim
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Available from http://pgp.mit.edu