Why Bikers Should Always Wear Helmets: Safety and Beyond

When it comes to biking, many bikers might dispute the necessity of wearing helmets, believing that their choice to not do so makes them feel more cool and free-spirited. However, the statistics and personal experiences suggest otherwise. Wearing a helmet can significantly enhance both safety and the overall riding experience.

The Importance of Helmets

All it takes is a personal preference for one's skull and its contents to understand why helmets are essential. Personally, I always wear a helmet, having been involved in a few accidents that could have been much worse if my skull wasn't protected by my helmet. As a witness to the scratches on my helmet, I can attest to the indirect protection it offers.

Reliable Protection: Full Face Helmets

Full face helmets provide more protection than other types of helmets. When a bug or road debris strikes, it impacts the helmet and/or the windshield rather than your face and eyes, especially if you choose a full face helmet or a helmet with a windscreen.

Full face helmets not only protect your face and skull but also offer additional benefits. They help keep the sun and wind off your skin, preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer. They also protect your head from rain, hail, sleet, snow, and wind, ensuring that you stay comfortable at all times.

Reducing Noise and Enhancing Awareness

Full face helmets can help reduce the noise from the wind and road, which can improve your hearing and awareness of your surroundings. This includes hearing other vehicles and potential dangers. In addition, ear plugs can provide significant added protection against wind noise.

Wearing a helmet is essential during any crash, offering a better chance of minimizing or avoiding injuries compared to not having protective gear on. It’s essential to dress for the impact if you want to ensure a safer ride and a better outcome after an accident.

Misconceptions and Reality

Believing that not wearing a helmet is a sign of coolness is a misconception. In reality, it indicates a lack of maturity and risk awareness. I once declared, "I'll never wear a helmet!" but I changed my mind after an accident and after revisiting the reason for not wearing one. An older rider in my motorcycle club changed my perspective, explaining that a helmet offers protection, reduces wind noise, keeps your sunglasses or goggles secure, and is more comfortable.

Out of curiosity, I decided to try it on for the first time after years of riding without one. After two rounds around the block, I was sold. Since then, I have never ridden without a helmet.