Helmets

[makbike]

Horserider, I never get on my bike without my helmet properly placed and secured on my head just as I never drive my car without my seatbelt buckled. Both devices are designed to save my life in the event of an accident and therefore I use them to the best of my abilities. When I first started riding back in the 1980's I remember visiting a bike shop. The owner, a gentle man, asked me if I had a helmet. I honestly replied "no." He asked me if I liked my brain and I replied "yes." He then went on to say - if you have a wreck I can fix anything that gets bent or broken on your bike but if you don't wear a helmet the doctors won't be able to do the same for your brain. I purchased a helmet and the rest is history.

Fast forward to two years ago, a student in my school was out riding her ATV she took her eyes off the road, went down a ravine, hit a rock and drove her head into a tree. She suffered major brain injuries and though she has made amazing progress she will never be the same and her future has forever been changed. Why take the chance? I can't help but wonder if her injuries would have been far less severe had she had a helmet on her head. It is a question that can't be answered but in my heart I feel I know the answer and it is simply "yes."

Okay, I'll get off my soap box.

[horserider]

i will never ever ride any horse without a helmet. for my birthday i got a pretty serious helmet, i look cool in it so that will be more of a incentive for me to wear it. it does fit properly. i don't ride bikes but if i ever do i will wear a helmet.



horserider

[KnottedYet]

I wear a helmet every time and for every ride.

I've had one accident (involving a car) without a helmet, and never want to do that again. Ever.

[Zen]

Don't get us started on helmets again

Try a search on this forum for helmets, see what you come up with.

Everyone wears a helmet, helmets have to pass safety standards, and you don't necessarily get a more protective helmet just because you paid more for it.

[rij73]

I took a little fall last weekend that could have been worse had it not been for my helmet. Wear one every time you go out... period.

All helmets on the market are certified. Spending more gets you lighter weight and more ventilation - not more safety.

[bmccasland]

Since we're on the subject of helmets.... Do they have a life span? A "use by" date? Not that I'm looking to spend more money at my LBS

I prefer to keep my brain safely tucked under my skull, and unscrambled.

[KnottedYet]

I've heard lots of "use by" dates, most often I hear 3 years.

[Zen]

If it has a Perot for President sticker on it you can buy a new one.

[indysteel]

Don't get us started on helmets again

Yes, let's not get into that debate again.

In addition to the three-year general rule for replacing helmets, I'd add that you should get a new one if your helmet sustains an impact during a crash. Even if it looks "fine" to your naked eye, I've been repeatedly told that it should be replaced.

[ehirsch83]

hey horserider!
I also ride horses,h/j, and I will admit that I pick my helmets for both sports on how they look.
For the horses I have a GPA because it looks the best in the show ring, it is an older one(probably 4 years now) and then for the bike I have a giro(which is like the bikers equivalent to the gpa). They all provide the same safety, but I prefer to spend a little more and look better.

[bmccasland]

Looks like I need to make my LBS happy and get a new helmet - the 3 year mark, NOT because of a crash.

um... last year I did do a face plant on the concrete steps at the office. Being a klutz, waiting to start a ride. But I did have on my helmet. Maybe my face plant would have been worse. Did sustain a broken nose.