How was it known what caused this rider's death? I can "behave" in every way possible, but that doesn't stop somebody else from: running into the back of me while stopped; running a stop sign/red light; driving on the wrong side of the road; cutting me off; attempting to be in my space at the same time, etc.
None of those things have anything to do with my behavior, even if I am the most careful, well trained rider in the world, and it is a fact that I have a much better chance of surviving someone else's behavior if I'm wearing a helmet. Period. I have control over my own behavior, but NO control over the behavior of others. I wonder if all those riders who died due to massive head trauma could talk, if they'd still advocate not wearing a helmet? Or, if you asked their family members if they wish he/she had been wearing a helmet, what they would say. I would bet that the 10 year old child who doesn't have their parent any longer would wish that their Dad or Mom had worn a helmet. It's not just about you, it's about the impact it has on others who love you as well. Even if I don't give two hoots in hell about my own life, I have to think about how my wife would feel if I weren't around because I refused to give up my "freedom" and wear head protection. Riding in a topless cage is in no way a comparison to riding on two wheels...the only common thing between the two, if you choose not to wear a helmet on the motorcycle, is a bare head.
This horse has also been beaten until it's dust...there is no logical/rational reason for not wearing a helmet...all other reasons are emotional in nature.
The rider swerved too close to the Navigator, got hit, subsequently run over and dragged... No helmet is going to save you in that case.
There is risk everytime we get on our bikes. We know it, we understand it... and while I will agree that we cant control the actions of others, we can teach ourselves to observe our surroundings to see the potential for someone else's stupidity. What we cant change is the probability of chance... So, you can dress to enjoy the ride, or you can dress in probability of the crash.
Personally, I bought a bike so I can enjoy the freedom riding brings me... If I feel the need to wear full gear if I am travelling in unfamiliar territory, lots of trafic or inclement weather I do so... by CHOICE. I dont believe in overregulation of citizens by gov't.
I lost a good friend last year to a tourist excecuting a U-turn from the far right lane. Turned direcly into the path of my friends who were riding as a group. He left his wife and young family behind. Would he change anything? No... he had massive internal injuries as well as head injuries. In many cases the internal injuries are the cause of death.
IMHO, a helmet reduces the probability of injury due to impact, it doesnt save the rest of the body from injury. Now, if you want an open casket funeral... thats fine. I've opted for cremation and scattering of ashes... I'm the youngest of 5, with no children, no parents, a few cousins, two aunts and an uncle...life insurance will leave the wife a nice nest egg abd assure she is set for the rest of her life...
Enjoy the ride, however you choose to.. isnt that what its about?