I don't know if it has to do with me being a woman, but when I tell someone that I drive a motorcycle, often times the first question they ask me is if I wear a helmet. I always answer honestly; I do not. The words you' and should' are usually harbored somewhere in their next response. Usually they are somehow offended by the fact that I don't. Usually, people act as if a motorcycle rider's decision to go sans helmet is equivalent to some kind of death wish. I handle this by simply stating that I am an adult, I am a licensed motorcycle driver and I live in a state that has seen fit to leave that decision up to me. Usually that's the end of the conversation ~ but occasionally it's not.

I do own a helmet; a high quality, D.O.T. approved full face helmet. I wore that helmet faithfully during each ride for some time after the law said I was no longer required to wear one. Being over 18, once I had successfully completed an approved motorcycle rider course, and received a motorcycle endorsement on my driver's license, a helmet was optional. One day, I just decided I would try it. I left the helmet at home.

Before I go any further let me say, for the record, that I do not have a death wish. I do not believe myself to be infallible; I am a careful, responsible and respectful driver. I don't drink and drive, I have lots and lots to live for and I don't skip the helmet because I think it has anything to do with looking cool.

The first time I took my bike out without the helmet; several things became apparent to me. For instance, how much easier it was to tell what gear my bike was in by the way it sounded. Also, how much clearer I could see, now that I had full use of my peripheral vision. I drove on the expressway that day, and didn't take me long to figure out that the bobble head syndrome' I had experienced on many windy days before had been caused by the helmet. Three very serious issues had been compounded by my helmet; reduced hearing, reduced vision and fatigue. I haven't worn a helmet since.

There is one more reason I make the decision not to wear a helmet, although this reason is much more debatable, and much more personal.

There are many proven statistics related to the chance of you surviving a motorcycle accident being greater if you wear a helmet. This I know. I also know, that if my body hits the pavement at 60 mph, helmet or not, I am bound to sustain great injury. A helmet just might make the difference between life and death. That is exactly what I am afraid of. I am a firm believer of when it's your time, it's your time. A helmet could very well mean the difference between my husband planning a funeral or planning for long term care of an incapacitated spouse. I am a strong, smart and independent woman. I could not bear the thought of my husband and son being thrown into the heartbreaking and financially debilitating situation of caring for what remains of me, and this is a conversation that my husband and I have had and agree on.

I am not saying it's safer not to wear a helmet, I'm not telling anyone they shouldn't wear a helmet. My point is simply this; assuming you live in a state where you have a choice, to wear a helmet or not is a personal and adult decision. The same could be said for many other things in life such as drinking alcohol, joining the military, gambling or driving a car.

To all the naysayersplease remember, before you climb up onto your soapbox to lecture on the dangers of life, many of us have already made ourselves aware of the dangers of this particular activity and have made this very personal decision without your assistance.

Learn more about this author, Shelli Manning.
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