Deaths are certainly very possible even with proper helmet use. The orthopedic surgeon I saw in followup from my crash told me about a friend of his who had a very similar accident to mine (over the handlebars, landing on head) who was also wearing a helmet. His friend didn't survive; I did. I believe that if I hadn't been wearing a helmet that I would not have survived. And even knowing that a helmet doesn't always save your life, I won't take a chance without one.

I think that we need to do everything we can to keep ourselves safe, but we also need to realize that accidents can still happen. I consider myself lucky that I'm still happily wandering the roads on my bike (with helmet).

--- Denise