Are Motorcycle Helmets Really Safer?
This debate will probably go on forever. There is a wide range of thought even among motorcyclists themselves. Some riders believe the studies and data supporting helmet use. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), which represents more cyclists than any other organization, published a report entitled In Support of Voluntary Helmet Use. Other organizations have published articles and reports denouncing helmets as ineffective at speeds over 13mph. Herein lies our greatest problem. We disagree about the fundamental effectiveness of helmets. In order to maintain the path of least resistance, and defray in fighting or disagreement among the various organizations and groups, the battle cry over the years has become “Let Those Who Ride Decide”. The dangers or inadequacies of helmets have been dismissed as an argument in place of the credo that all we want is a chance to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. As a casual observer, this would seem to solve the problem. If one believed in
