The law of gravity gets us all sooner or later.Yes I have been down over the years a few times.Last time just coming to a stop.Cracked left elbow then.I try to always wear a jacket even in the summer now.Cool thing about helmets if you bump your head,they usually show a mark.New helmets are cheap compared to hospital visits.They also are warmer in the winter and dryer in the rain. In the summer they can actually keep you cooler and help keep you from getting sun burned.I've gotten hit in the head riding by rocks,trash,bugs-big bugs of all sorts,bees included,and birds.I know I have a thick head,but a helment helps.Down side to the helmet,yeah supposidly you cannot hear as good.****** my hearing is not as good anymore anyway.Helmets miss up your hair,there again I don't have much hair anymore! You have to clean the face shield of bugs.Boy that's a hassle.Better than your face or a trip to the eye doctor.Oh I have gotten a bee inside the fullface helmet going down the road.Scarry yes!! I managed not to crash or get stung.Good luck out there!!