There's an interesting article on this subject in the Orlando (Florida) Sentinel.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-asecdeadlyhelmet03030305mar03,1,909561.story?ctrack=2&cset=trueThere's a lot of data in it--it's about the difference in injury rates from when Florida required helmets versus now that the state doesn't. One quote I wanted to bring here is about the costs of hospitalization:
"A 2002 survey of three trauma-center hospitals in Florida found average medical costs ranged from $32,426 to $44,053 for riders who suffered head injuries while not wearing helmets, and $28,602 to $31,437 for those who wore helmets."
These costs are what the insurance industry uses to calculate premium rates for all riders--helmet or not. I maintain that the whole motorcycle world pays for the consequences of those choosing to ride helmetless--those that wear helmets did not make that choice. It was made for them by those that don't wear helmets. And this doesn't include taxpayer supported resources like county ambulance services with EMT's and such.
I've never seen anyone who wants to go helmetless also volunteer to pay their own way through serious injury so as to not impose their individual cost of risk onto others. This is why I favor allowing the insurance companies to escape liability if a rider took out a policy agreeing to war a helmet, then was injured while not wearing one.
Motorcycling carries a set of increased risks. Me, I think it's my responsibility to decide how much risk I'm willing to accept--and then to be responsible for those risks. I'm going to do what I can to minimize the risks, to myself and others, and still enjoy riding.
Frankly, the whole helmet, no-helmet thing has always been a puzzle to me. I don't feel imposed upon in the least by wearing a helmet. Any more than a leather jacket or gloves, or boots. It's just something that makes good sense if you're going to ride. I said before, I think they come in handy in keeping flying objects off my head, face and eyes, never mind crash protection. I've had things bounce off of them and been really glad I had it on.
Not trying to pi$$ anybody off. Just my opinion.