Helmets above 30 mph? Yeah, they work! Sep 25 '01    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Motorcycle Parts and Accessories K&n Air Filter Element Cotton Gauze Red From $ K&n Air Filter Cotton Gauze Red Motorcyc From $ The Bottom Line Let those who ride decide, but make it an informed decision. As a new rider, I hate to disagree with those who are more experienced. AND I come from a family with a long history of defending our civil freedoms. So FAR be it from me to insist others live my lifestyle. As far as helmet laws go, I firmly believe "Let those who ride decide." But I do have to take issue with the statement that above 30 mph helmets are not effective. My first career was journalism, and though I spend most of my time studying, researching, and teaching Hawai`iana, when I decided to ride, I applied the same research skills to motorcycling. Most journalists begin their careers writing obituaries. My first semester in J-school, I wrote three obits on classmates. All three died because they were not wearing helmets. These were, indeed, low speed crashes. One was at 5 mph. A car backed out in front of the kid, he laid down his bike and smacked his head on the curb. Tiny bruise on the temple. He was DOA. Another of my classmates was riding down a hill (about 45 mph - yes, she was speeding) when a cage stopped dead in the street. She did the appropriate swerve to go around it. The guy popped open his car door right in front of her. Bike stopped, my friend didn't. Heels over head and landed on her back in front of the cage. Helmet was smashed. She stood up, chewed out the guy, got on her bike and drove away (then found a gas station, sat down and cried until the shakes were over). Since I have been riding, I have met people who have survived 25mph, 30mph, and (more than one) 70mph crashes - and attribute their survival to their helmets and other protective gear. I'm not good at stats. But I am good at learning from people I respect. Five men I know have lost their lives in motorcycle crashes. They were skillful, experienced riders. But none was wearing a helmet. "E nihi e ka hele, mai ho`opa`a" (Travel gently, arrive firmly) Hula Rider

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