Okay, Okay, so it isn't the same riding a motorcycle with a heavy piece of plastic on your head as it is with the free wind blowing through your hair. I understand that point of view. I used to ride and sometimes I would take short trips without wearing a helmet. It is an exhilarating feeling. A sense of freedom. However, after two motorcycle accidents, that point of view can change pretty easily.
Fortunately, I was wearing a full-face helmet in both cases and was not seriously hurt. Well, I did fracture my wrist on one of the accidents, but that healed a long time ago. So, can riding or touring the beautiful countryside on a motorcycle still feel invigorating and fun when your whole head is encased in a piece of plastic and foam? You bet! In fact, the comfort factor of wearing a helmet, at least when you are not used to it, comes with time.
It is in fact, building a new habit, much like when you first start wearing a seat belt. I remember a time when buckling up seemed like an inconvenience and I seldom did it. That was years ago. Now, it's pure habit and a healthy habit that I've built over time. It didn't take long before it became second nature.
Wearing a helmet offers many many benefits that offset the negative aspects. First and most important, it can save your life, physical ability, family pain, and money. Motorcycle helmets provide protection. They not only can protect someone from the road, but also from flying bugs, rain, sleet, mud and other potential projectiles. Motorcycle helmets also provide a means of maintaining your body temperature by entrapping escaping heat from the head, especially on cold nights. Second, wearing a helmet gives the opportunity for people to express the image they may want to project.
This may not be important to some people, but to others, it means a lot. With all of the various styles, such as beanie, shorty, German, and many others, projecting an image is an inherent part of motorcycling. Third, if you get the right fit, a helmet will feel snug, comfortable and can help you feel more confident when driving. A DOT-certified (Department of Transportation) motorcycle helmet is a helmet that has passed rigorous testing by federal guidelines and has been deemed safe by the regulatory authorities. DOT-certified helmets are what I recommend when driving or riding any motorcycle or scooter. You can check the back of any helmet for this certification. If the helmet is certified, it will be labeled as such.
So next time you hop on your motorcycle, just remember, a helmet doesn't have to be a pain in the neck, but a joy that can save your life.
