Helmets, the good, the quick and the ugly

[GoldOxide_imp]

Thanks for sharing this j3gq, great info to ponder.

I just finished watching the MotoGP race from Circuit of the Americas (COTA) over the weekend. There were numerous crashes, all of which the riders walked away relatively unscathed. When you consider the advancements in those rider's PPE, to your point, helmets have not come far in improvements for protection. They have advanced considerably in reduction of weight, comfort and aerodynamics (and cool graphics). Where significant advancements have been made is within their leathers where G load sensing can activate pneumatic blast charges inflating bladders to minimize joint movement to combat limbs flailing about during the crash. Although neck braces are present with most, limiting the head movement is still tough.

Interestingly, the reports I've read from professional racing injuries/deaths suggests head injuries are relatively low, core body injuries (internal organ damage) and limb damage (broken/dislocated bones) are more prevalent. I wonder if road injuries/deaths are similar in nature?

I have come to believe, being a rider on the street, that the most important aspect of safety is your own personal awareness. Awareness = avoiding risks. As an example, I was recently riding with a friend who was following me. He's a relatively inexperienced rider. We came around a corner, and before entering the turn I noticed the edge of the road was adjacent to a large dirt/gravel area where vehicles have cut the inside of the corner short. I know from experience, this is often times opportunity for dirt/gravel/debris to get pulled out onto the road. I went wide in the turn towards the center of the road just in case there was gravel present. Sure enough, there was on the inside 4-6 feet of the road. I rode through the turn with no problem. My newby rider friend road through tightly on the inside of the turn, hit the gravel and got loose. When we stopped at the next intersection, he said "Wow, I nearly went down back there." I can't even guess how many purposeful decisions we make while riding based on past experience, some close calls, some watching others and what not, to minimize the risks of an accident. Awareness and staying alert are keys to safety and just as important as PPE in my opinion.

A big (+1).