Bud,
This helmet thing has been kicked to death and will never be resolved....
My opinion? I wear one 99% of the time. I wear a Bell shorty unless I know it's going to rain real bad or it is very cold out, then I wear a Bell full-face that the entire front flips open, visor and all, or just the visor can be opened. I don't wear it because the government tells me to (currently, they don't) I wear it because I rode dirt bike many years ago and anyone who rides in the woods learns the value of protective gear real quick.
But, out on the street is a totally different environment. As far as I'm concerned, it's an individual's choice. All the skewed statistics and media bs and government intervention are just hot air with a hidden agenda. You can ride forever in your underwear and never have a single mishap, or you can dress like Mib the Michelin man and get tatooed by an SUV at the end of your driveway... when your number's up, it's up..
I still believe it's what's in your head not what's on your head that gives you a better chance of avoiding accidents.

More flags More fun!