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Originally Posted by geckoGT
Completely see your view point and respect it. Just understand that some of the worse head injuries I have been to were a result of perceived "low risk" incidents. I have seen some spectacular helmet damage at speeds less than 30 km/h, which is not hard for even a casual rider to achieve on a moderate down hill section on any pathway. Sometimes it is not an inadequacy in ability to make up your own mind on the risk, it is a misperception of the risk.
By the way, I probably have greater understanding of peoples ability to make their own decisions, that is why when they put themselves at risk and hurt themselves, I do not lose any sleep over it, hell I even sometimes put my own safety at risk (ask Flappist about Hungry Corner at Lakeside Raceway). What I do though is when taking a risk by choice, I do reduce the possible consequences.
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Originally Posted by geckoGT
I did not wear a helmet during the crossing of the NT in my XR8, reasons are the roads are in good condition, my car was in excellent condition, weather conditions were clear and the speed was within the manufacturer specified capabilities of the car in every way. There were no obstacles likely to cause a sudden stop and if it even looked like there were some coming up, speed was reduced accordingly. The fact that I survived the trip without even a near miss or a hint of one is a testament to that. I have since had more near misses than that on race tracks.
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It's unlikely, but a sudden failure of a single of many systems on the car could have resulted in a very high speed roll-over event. Steering rack failure as an example, as seen at one fordforums drag racing event a few years back. A front tyre blowout, at NT speeds, would pose a significant problem I'd imagine.
Not having a go here at all, but pointing out that a misperception of risk can be had by anyone. It's always fine, until something goes wrong that
wasn't expected.
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Originally Posted by Mad Aussie
Falling off a push bike with no helmet at 50kph can result in serious paralysis, and in some cases death.
Crashing into the back of another car with your car at 50kph barely gives you whiplash.
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How does a helmet stop you from breaking your neck (or your back if we're out high speed downhill riding)? There's not a whole lot of cushioning in the inch or so of hard foam between your skull and the road.
Have you crashed into someone at 50km/h? I think you'll find there's a lot more damage resulting from it than you expect. Hell I'll buy you a car so you can try it out. Which car do you want? a 1970 Escort or a 2003 Barina?
How many tax dollars does it cost to rehabilitate someone with a smashed hip and a broken back? It's not just head injuries that can cause long term suffering and cost. Shall we tell them to suck it up because they werent wearing full body armour?