If a cyclist gets into an accident and cracks their head open because they decided to not wear a helmet, we all pay, and it’s time people realized that.
Some people are strongly opposed to wearing a bicycle helmet. They attribute many reasons to their displeasure with noggin fortification, citing such ridiculous claims as longing for the cool breeze flowing through their hair, worrying about looking cool, or dreading that they may mess up their locks. None of these are legitimate claims.
However, there is one claim that people make that holds some weight. Some people stand by the thought that they should be free to not wear a helmet if they please, as it does not affect anyone but themselves. While upon first analysis this claim seems to be true, looking deeper into the request will show that the carefree act of not wearing a helmet can have negative repercussions on both the rider and the general public.
Not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle makes you more susceptible to injury. A person may be injured as a result of not wearing their helmet, but it’s their body that will be injured, and they’re the one who will pay the price, right? This is not quite true.
When a person is injured they are taken to the hospital where they are inspected and treated. Who pays for this? The taxpayers. The taxpayers are paying for you to go to the hospital and receive medical care because you thought it looked cooler to ride without safety. The taxpayers are the ones who have to pay for your lack of diligence, for your vanity.
This isn’t fair. By simply strapping on a helmet you can reduce your risk of being injured, and save taxpayers’ money. So next time you hop on the old ten-speed think twice about the ramifications of not wearing your helmet.