Hey Brian,
I think you are got it right there, I think when you feel safer, you may well push the envelope more. Much like when you think there is the possibility of the law around, you ride closer to the posted than if you are certain there are no cops around!
But feeling safer too may well be kind of subjective. If you feel safe without a helmet, you may not feel the need for restraint either. There you have one "truth" in life that, "Perception is reality". That is why I personally think we need to try and be honest with ourselves when we take stands on things because our perception of things becomes the truth we convey to others. (how's that for Philosophy 101?)
I have way too often heard people validate their theories based on off the cuff statements from people who have no basis than sheer speculation of a given situation or topic. Like this one, What if you were in a car accident and were hurt and the car caught on fire and you couldn't get out of your seat belt? Guess what, someone hurt enough that they can't reach down and un-click a seat belt isn't likely going to be able to reach over and open the door and remove themselves from the car either. Sounds comical but I have heard this used as a reason not to wear seat belts.
I realize that in this topic you have to take a side to camp out on. Point I want to be clear on is, it does come down to choice and we have the freedom to make that choice and I NOW respect those who make that choice because I understand why they do it. I used to think "they" were all insane for not wearing a helmet, but the same guys who don't wear a helmet, may think I am insane for going over 100 miles an hour on a weekly basis! So who is really crazy? We all "like" to take risks, that is why we ride our bikes whether in a an insane fashion, or safe fashion, to a large majority of people we are all nuts, helmets or not!
