[Dodge Doll]

OK, it's been a LOONNNNNGGGG time since I was on a motorcycle, and while it's been so long, I'm still aware of what's going on around me as regards the machines.

I keep seeing people on motorcycles with 'beanie' helmets, and naked arms.

I was taught that you don't ride unless you're wearing a full-face helmet with an iron-jaw in it, jeans (minimum), and a leather jacket, regardless of the ambient temperature.

I wonder if there's research about the types of helmets and the stats re: injuries.... ?

What's your take on the subject?

[vroombaby]

I think people who do not take proper precautions when on a bike are tools. Just this weekend I caught someone with a helmet on, walking up a hill from a freeway overpass that was without a bike. Guess what happened? Without that helmet he would not be on that hill.

[Donald]

I saw a biker today wearing a "beanie" style helmet like you're talking about. I said a quick prayer for him, I hate it when people don't protect themselves. This is America though, where apparently people have the right to be stupid. As long as they're not hurting anyone else, I just hope their luck is good.

[Lamboguy]

I'm not even sure there is a helmet law at all where I live in South Florida. I hardly ever seen anyone with a helmet on. Well, actually I think when they have helmets on it's most often the ones with the fast sports bike, not the Harley types. It's funny too, because a lot of those bike riders that don't have helmets always have to go faster than everyone on the expressway.

[Guy]

Some people don't like the government "telling them what to do" and even resent the fact that there are helmet laws at all.

[MotorX]

I *always* wear a helmet, but sometimes I leave my leather jacket at home when it's 80s and 90s outside. I know it would protect me in a crash, but so far I haven't been in a crash.

[MaximumSpeed]

I wouldn't ride a motorcycle without a helmet myself, but I also think that it isn't the government's place to legislate safety. If they would make people responsible for their own safety -- and not give rewards to idiots -- maybe people would be safer on their own.

[NeedNewWheels]

I support helmet laws. I fear that if I hit or one of the non-helmet wearing dummies hit me I am responsible for paying for their head injuries. I don't have that kind of money to pay for somebody's choice to not wear a helmet.