Quote:

Quote:

Statistically, they increase the number of deaths per accident



Greybeard,

Really, I didn't know that, can you elaborate a little on that, please?



I no longer have a copy of the study made by the MMA based on the first year of the CA helmet law, but there was an increase on the order of 18% in deaths per accident. Deaths overall were down some 14%, but the accident count was down a good bit more than that because people just weren't riding as much. You might be able to get a copy of the study here,

Modified Motorcycle Association
5847 Auburn Blvd., Suite 6, Sacramento, CA 95841 (916) 473-6981 Fax (916) 473-7082

There are some logical explanations that I have heard;
The added weight causes an increase in neck and spinal injuries.
The added weight changes the riders balance, increasing the chance of going headfirst instead of feet forst or rolling sideways.
Fiberglass helmets tend to soften and stick due to friction heating whilst sliding on pavement, cause the head to stop suddenly, resulting in neck injury. ABS helmets tend to bounce like a crazyball causing neck injuries.

Since helmets that exactly meet DOT tests fail in a 17.5 MPH impact, their value at normal highway speeds seems to be rather limited. It is certain that, in individual cases, they do save lives. Unfortunately, under different circumstances, they take a few more than they save.

Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python