Whenever I hear the preaching of the need for gear at all times, and what led people to believe it should always be worn, is almost always preceeded by some form of vehicular stupidity.
Do I partake?... sure.. I do stupid things too... but I wont blame the gear or lack of for the injuries.
The bad choice is what got you there... not the gear.
If you know youre gonna be out riding like an azz.. then please, dress appropriately. If youre going to commute in traffic, dress appropriately.
Though I did say "almost always", I have one friend that was simply riding to work one morning, when he was t-boned by a car. This was October of 2011.... he still hasnt been able to return to work.
The driver of the cage had no License, no Insurance, an Unregistered Vehicle, and No assets... This guy that hit my friend had no business on the road.
Yup.. in his case, the gear saved him, but he is suffering and will probably be in pain the rest of his life.