Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
50 Reasons Why Not Wearing A Helmet Is The Dumbest Thing You Can Do (New Pics)
When David Hollister introduced a seat belt bill in Michigan in the early 1980s that imposed a fine for not buckling up, the state representative received hate mail comparing him to Hitler. At the time, only 14 percent of Americans regularly wore seat belts, even though the federal government required lap and shoulder belts in all new cars starting in 1968.
Drivers and passengers were arguing that seat belts were uncomfortable and restrictive, but the uproar was mostly ideological.
Similarly, growing up in Northern Europe in the 1990s, I constantly heard kids on my block say that only stupid dorks wore helmets when riding their bikes. "What, can't you drive?", they'd ask, preparing a heavy barrage of insults.
But just like seat belts, this gear is often the deciding factor that separates life and death. To remind you that putting on a helmet is the smartest thing you can do, we at Bored Panda compiled a list of scary accidents that could've been much worse if it wasn't for them.
Continue scrolling to check out the pics, and if you need more proof, fire up our earlier publication on the topic here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Soldier Receives His Mounted Helmet That Took A 7.62 Round At 20 Feet While Wearing It
Judy Reynolds 3 years ago
Bet he has never been happier to have a headache!
Load More Replies...
Nimues Child 3 years ago
That is a huge round! That helmet's engineering to save his life is formidable.
Max A. 3 years ago
actually it's small, but it goes hella fast, so yup, point made
Load More Replies...
unknown name 3 years ago
Ahh no no, how bout an engineer made the helmet, and a god caused the war for (oh its mysterious) reasons.
Load More Replies...
InfectedVoiceBox 3 years ago (edited)
Serious question from a non-American, exactly what service is this soldier providing apart from helping in the death of innocent civilians in far away lands, as a normal person he isn't doing anything that benefits you at all, it's all about control and rich people getting richer. Why does America have this blind worship of people in the military, they're just people too, and evidence shows a lot of them aren't good people at all, serious question.
Load More Replies...
David Brown 3 years ago
I was riding a motorcycle on the freeway three cars behind a dump truck hauling construction debris. A brick fell off, bounced, broke in half and I was hit by one of those half dead square in the front of my helmet. At close to 80mph that hit sounded like a cannon going off. From that I received a mild concussion, three days worth of migraines, and ringing in my ears that lasted over a week. What happened to me was basically nothing compared to this. I can't even begin to imagine how bad this head hurt afterwards along with whatever else came with that shot to the head
1ch0 3 years ago
That was for certain an ricochet. A direct hit would have gone through the helmet with ease. But after all, the helmets are for ricochet and not direct hits.
Max A. 3 years ago
judging from the way the helmet reacted, i think it was shot from the bottom, and the bullet exited from the top, that would have shaved his right side of the face clean off if it wasn't for the helmet
Load More Replies...
RELATED:
#2
Another Reason To Wear A Helmet
Bubs623 3 years ago
Ok, this one makes me want to run. I cannot imagine where ELSE those bugs have splatted and landed on the rider....
Jp@nda 3 years ago
You're mostly protected by the windscreen and the bike itself, it's your head that is sticking up and is upsetting the aerodynamics so that's where the bugs are gonna go
Load More Replies...
Rabbit-Of-ill-Portent️ 3 years ago
I just pulled off the most disgusted look on my face that I've ever made
Elizabeth She/They or They/She 3 years ago
What r those? Explain plz! R the bugs 🐜 or porcupine spikes?
Meg Leod 3 years ago
I think might be mayflies https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/videos/us/2015/07/23/mayflies-shutdown-bridge-savanna-sabula-iowa-duplicate-2.wqad
Load More Replies...
"It's uncomfortable and hot." "It messes up my hair." "It isn't cool." "I'm only going a short distance." "I'm not going to fall, so I don't need one."
These are just a few of the reasons people name for not wearing a helmet while roller skating, riding a bicycle, scooter o,r motorcycle, or engaging in other potentially risky outdoor activities.
But Nicole Boniquit Levy, MD, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Rush University Medical Center, said there are no valid excuses for not strapping on this vital piece of protective gear.
#3
German-Supplied Helmet Stopped A Ricochet 7.62x54mm Bullet Used By Various Russian Weapons - Not All Donated Equipment Is Junk, Even If It's Old By Modern Nato Standards
Frank Ropen 3 years ago
Germany supplies as much as the UK, but didn't brag about it
Load More Replies... 
#4
Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet
Jacey Lea 3 years ago
I'll never understand why people don't wear helmets when riding motorcycles. They clearly save lives.
Chich 3 years ago
Wear a helmet and get a full face one. But be warned if you do, you will never enjoy the thrill of a dragonfly or junebug to the face or having your face peeled off on the roadway.
Load More Replies...
Linda Gilliam 3 years ago
Admittedly, I HATE motorcycles ( friend died on his way to my house.) But, the people who decide to ride w/out a helmet, & crash, deserve the pancake head & scrambled brains ( that they scrape off the road ) for breakfast. Plum stupidity !! Jmo.
zububonsai 3 years ago (edited)
Why is this downvoted? Here is my up-again-vote for you. --- I hate motorcycles for exact the same reason: a friend of mine, an only child, died at 31yrs old while motorbiking because a car driver overlooked him. Friend himself had the right of way. & Everyone who willingly ignores gut feeling & common sense & laws ("because it's cooler/freeing" or whatever b******t reason they come up with) is a proud recipient of Darwin Award. I. Just. Don't. Get. It. --- The only ones I'm sorry for are the first responders for what they have to endure & look at, and a little bit for the relatives (but they not-educated them in the first place, soooo.....)
Load More Replies...
carlita 3 years ago
If you ride motorcycles, wear leathers or protective clothing as well!!! My dad got rear-ended on a motorcycle and now has bad scars on his back because he wasn’t wearing the right clothes.
Nimues Child 3 years ago (edited)
A friend's boyfriend was in a horrible motorcycle accident when we were teens, breaking both arms agains a guardrail. His helmet and leathers meant that he was spared many more injuries. I've never forgotten that.
Load More Replies...
Upstaged75 3 years ago
I'd be dead if I hadn't been wearing a helmet the day my horse fell after a jump. I hit the ground head first and then my horse flipped over completely on top of me. As she went to stand up she scrambled and stepped right on my head. The helmet was wrecked and I had a nasty concussion, but it was better than having my skull caved in by a 1000 pound animal. And yet there are still riders who refuse to wear a helmet because it will mess up their hair or it's "too hot". I'll gladly take sweaty hair over brain damage.
JMC5003 3 years ago
Remember to never try to remove a helmet from someone who has been in an accident - leave it for the ER doctors to remove. Was riding on Skyline Drive, an experienced rider was rear-ended by an inexperienced rider who was following too closely. Volunteer EMTs tried to take his helmet off and didn't even try to unstrap it first. Guy was unconscious and they're shaking his head all around trying to get a strapped on helmet off. We intervened, started to get pretty heated, then an experienced paramedic arrived and quickly put a halt to any attempts to remove the helmet. I know I'll get down voted for this, but too many volunteer EMTs are just in it for the adrenaline rush and don't have enough training to really understand what they're doing. Leave the helmet on - the ER will remove it in a safe manner.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
Like Head_on_a_Stick said: in some cases, you should definitely take the helmet off (if! you know how to do it safely)
Load More Replies...
David Brown 3 years ago
All the latest riding gear may not save you but it will leave a much better looking corpse than if you had chosen otherwise.
#5
Helmet Donated From Community Non-Profit Saved TDF Member From Sniper Shot
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago
People, before you downvote this: This means "Glory to Ukraine!" It is not some kind of Russian propaganda/support message.
Load More Replies...
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago
TDF stands for "Territorial Defense Force". In Ukraine. Not "Tigray Defense Forces" in Ethiopia. InfectedVoiceBox is misinformed and incorrect.
Load More Replies...
Trauma to the brain can occur as a result of an impact, which can cause a concussion or open skull fracture, or a jarring motion, such as a quick turn or sudden stop.
Even seemingly mild head injuries, where you don't even lose consciousness, can cause permanent behavioral and cognitive problems, such as memory loss, inability to concentrate, sleep disorders, and, in some cases, permanent disability or death.
#6
Parents, Please Make Sure Your Children Wear Helmets! They Do Work
Laura Isabel 3 years ago (edited)
My Son just got his new bike for his 7th BD and guess who's getting a new helmet for him tomorrow morning?!?! He can't ride it until we get him one... My God... Edit: I need to remember it's bike... NOT hike! Hehehe...
Linda Gilliam 3 years ago
Yes momma !! He'll love you more in the long run, for LOVING HIM !!!
Load More Replies... Nimues Child 3 years ago (edited)
I'm old enough to have been tormented by childhood peers for wearing a bike helmet after I had a concussion. I took it off as soon as I was allowed, only to get knocked unconscious in a bike accident with a friend. After that, I always wore a helmet and no-one made fun of me again. The helmet's use suddenly became real to them instead of just "uncool".
Gijs van Gaans 3 years ago
In the Nwtherlands most people use bikes a lot, yet almost nobody wears a helmet. Ony when mountainbiking or racing. There have been some pleas to make helmets mandatory, since people do get hurt once in while, but for most people riding without helmet is so normal, we don't want that.
Demongrrrrl 3 years ago
But you don't have as many cars on the roads, right? Also I presume that people with cars don't drive like maniacs. So biking is safer there.
Load More Replies...
Mareike Hartmann 3 years ago
The blue one is indeed Leonardo. Donatello has purple, Michelangelo orange and Raphael red
Load More Replies...
Sharkbait1313 3 years ago
This makes me think of my steel toed work boots. I worked in a warehouse for a particular store and was run over by a forklift by one of my coworkers. I was hit head first and thrown back and my feet and legs were next to go under. Thank God she stopped or I'd be dead! But my left steel toed boot actually popped open under the weight of the forklift. I ended up with crush injuries and lost my big toe but If not for the steel toe I imagine I would have lost the whole foot. I will never forget the look on my boyfriend's face when he walked in and saw the wide open boot on the counter in the ER. The call he had gotten from my employer about the incident was " she is in the hospital cause she hurt her foot" major understatement lol
RandomFrog(He/They️️) 3 years ago
My grandpa was riding his bike w me, and turned to make sure I was still following. He ran into a tree head first when he turned back around and his helmet split in half! They do work you should always wear them.
#7
This Is Why You Wear A Helmet
#8
Always Wear A Helmet
v 3 years ago
I saw a video a few years ago in which some guys were messing around on their motorcycles in a parking lot, maybe 5-10 MPH. None were wearing helmets. One of them hit something that caused him to lose his balance and the way he went down his head was basically like the end of a whip and when his head hit the ground he was instantly dead. A helmet would have saved his life.
David Brown 3 years ago
I was hit sitting still at a stoplight and the back of my helmet hit the hood of the truck so hard it left a perfect dent where my head bounced off. My helmet split open and I was perfectly fine other than a nasty headache. That helmet is in a display case in my garage. It's a reminder of what could have happened if I had chosen not to wear it that day.
Mistiekim 3 years ago
There was a guy riding at highway speeds that passed my car - he was wearing no helmet and was texting. Well on his way to win the most irresponsible rider ever award.
#9
The Guy Wearing This Survived (Wear Your Helmet On Your Motorcycle, Kids)
Regal Kitten 3 years ago (edited)
What did you hit that bent it like that? Also, how much of a headache did you have when you woke up?
Bart 3 years ago
Probably a guardrail post, those things are insanely dangerous for bikers
Load More Replies...
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
A car. He hit a car. Rather it probably hit him He was probably thrown into a metal wall reinforcer of some sort. In less that's the mark of the back end of a tractor trailer,which it does resemble.
Rowan/Vin 3 years ago
It said they were still alive. Not that they had no injuries lol
Load More Replies... 
There are different helmets for different activities, and each type of helmet is designed to protect your head from the impact common to a particular activity or sport.
You should always wear a helmet that is appropriate for the activity you're involved in because other types of helmets may not protect you equally well.
"Some helmets can be worn for multiple activities, but don't assume," Levy said. "Check the manufacturer's instructions for guidelines before buying a helmet."
#10
Kevlar Helmet Of An Orlando Police Officer Who Was Hit In Today's Shooting
Dan Bexell 3 years ago
Thanks, BP, for censoring that word that would probably make my head explode if I had to read it.
Load More Replies...
gloria benado 3 years ago
WTH with the Orwellian censorship. Wait you guys can't edit horrible English to save your lives..got it
Unnamed Panda 3 years ago
It makes me so sad to hear that this is *just* “today’s shooting” 😭 ‘murica, the land of the free, am I right
Lynne Stankard 3 years ago
Why do BP always brush the word killed??? It's been a word used for hundreds of years - why is it seen as rude(?) in this day and age?
Helen X 3 years ago
I take a deep bow for policemen who have to deal with this dangerous s**t on a daily basis. If you really think about it, I can imagine that they sometimes, under the pressure of the circumstances, may make the wrong decision.
#11
This Helmet Saved A 5-1/2 Year Old Involved In A Collision Saturday From A Significant Brain Injury Or Worse. Helmets Are Good
Kassiopeia 3 years ago (edited)
"shite he's still alive" or "shite that could have been fatal"?
Load More Replies... Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
My now 40 year old daughter was so enamored of her English riding helmet that she wore it everywhere when she was eight. There was a bad moment once, where she was riding with my husband, he got rear ended very unexpectedly just as she was readjusting her seat belt with out telling him. She was in the front (only) seat of our small truck and as they impacted the vehicle in front, she went flying headfirst into the windscreen. There was a nice little girl head shape hole almost all the way through the glass, a cracked into two pieces riding helmet, and a supremely aggravated 8 year old! She had a headache, her helmet was broke, and she couldn't be in the horse show! I explained that the helmet took the place of her head. She looked a little green faced at least at that.
#12
This Is Why You Should Wear Helmets. The Helmet Took The Hit And I Am Okay. Live To Ski Another Day
Memere 3 years ago (edited)
From a quick google search: During the 2018/2019 season, there were 42 reported fatal incidents, the majority of which resulted in collisions with other skiers, the snow surface, or trees. Of these 42 reported fatal incidents during the 2018/2019 season: 95% were male. 26% were not wearing a helmet (source: Zinda Law Group). Also, does any of us old folks here remember how Sonny Bono (Sonny & Cher) died? He hit a tree at 20-30 mph while skiing...without a helmet. Cause of death: massive head injuries.
#13
Can Anyone Tell Me Why Anything Other Than Full Face Helmets Are A Good Idea?
Chich 3 years ago
I have a full face helmet. Rode with a friend who had to have a "cool" beanie helmet. We hit a swarm of bugs. All I had to do was clean of my face screen :P
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
Hes still picking little assholes from between his teeth, eh?
Load More Replies...
IFailedSuccessfully(He/they) 3 years ago
No I hate these ones they make me want to vomit and scream
David Brown 3 years ago
Full face helmets are a 100% must have where I live. Otherwise you'll be eating mosquitoes by the thousands.
To ensure optimal protection, your helmet should:
- Feel comfortable but snug;
- Sit evenly on your head (not be tilted back on the top of the head or pulled too low over your forehead);
- Not move in any direction, back to front or side to side;
- Have a secure buckle to keep it from moving or falling off on either a first or second impact. So if you are riding your bike and collide with something (first impact), the helmet will still be firmly in place if you then fall onto the pavement (second impact);
- Be easy to adjust and fit properly without a lot of adjustments. And once adjustments have been made, they should stay put.
#14
Guy Survives Round To The Head Thanks To A Kevlar Helmet
RuffianLivesOn 3 years ago
Reminds me of that one scene in Saving Private Ryan.
Load More Replies... #15
Motorcycle Helmet Post Crash
M K Shaw 3 years ago
My cousin was riding at night with his kid on bike. Kid had helmet, he didn't. Hit a 2x4 in road going 60 mph... Imagine the above accident without a helmet, and that's what happened to him. multiple broken face bones, broke both wrists in multiple places- barely lived. The kid-- a scratch.
#16
Romain Grosjean Showed How His Helmet Turned Out After The Accident In Bahrain
Jrog 3 years ago (edited)
The HALO, the collapsible barriers, the car's carbon/titanium monocoque, the crumple zone in the car's nose, the fireproof suit and balaclava mask, the prompt intervention of the fire marshals, the track's and FIA's mobile medical post... Helmets AND DECADES OF SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS saved lives. Anything I list above had a direct contribution to saving Grosjean life, and was made mandatory after someone got killed in a race.
Load More Replies...
Chewie Baron 3 years ago
Blimey, this is after he went THROUGH a metal barrier and he was engulfed in a fireball.
KamCy Ahaka 3 years ago (edited)
Not to take away from the importance of helmets, but he was saved that day by more than just his helmet
Load More Replies...
YELLING!!! 3 years ago
Everything he was wearing that day performed perfectly. I really thought I was watching him die when I watched it on TV
Ivy la Sangrienta 3 years ago
Me too. I was watching the race when Ayrton Senna crashed and died in 1994. The broadcast said "live" in the corner but they changed it to "direct" for the rest of the day. Was also watching the Den v. Fin euro match a year ago when Christian Eriksen collapsed during the game due to heart failure. It feels so weird watching real life life or death situation being played out in front of your very eyes.
Load More Replies...
Salma Hernández 3 years ago
I remember this. I was watching the race. Was shocking because the very first minutes as public we didn't know which driver was. And then, Grosjean, alone went out of the car that was completely in fire.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
Here's footage of the accident happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ7_En2xEm4
Load More Replies... #17
Cyclist Arrived In ED With This Helmet - Surprisingly Fine. Imagine His Skull Without A Helmet
ComfyPanda 3 years ago
Had he not been wearing this...I don't think there would've been a skull left by the looks of that helmet.
Nightshade1972 3 years ago
A friend of mine was in a motorcycle accident maybe 20 years ago--he had the right of way, but some idiot decided to cut him off. He ended up sandwiched between an SUV and an 18-wheeler. They told him the only thing that saved his life is that he was wearing full riding gear--proper helmet, leather jacket, leather gloves, leather pants, proper riding boots. Both his legs were shattered from the force of the impact, and he needed a lot of surgery/rehab afterwards, but at least he survived.
Load More Replies...
Anne Meczywor 3 years ago
Without the helmet, there would have been no point bringing the pieces of his skull to the ER
Porch santa 3 years ago
A helmet without a skull in it doesn't make sense. Happy fully clothed skull
According to Levy, it can be especially challenging getting kids to always wear a helmet, so it's up to parents to set hard and fast rules.
"Be consistent and firm," she said. "Don't negotiate. Don't compromise. Don't give them a choice: Either they wear the helmet or they don't ride their bike, scooter, etc. That way, they know you take it seriously they make it a habit."
Parents should also lead by example and always wear their helmets.
#18
Two Years Ago Today, This Dot Certified Helmet Absorbed A 50mph Impact And Saved My Life
On this day two years ago, this DOT-certified helmet saved my life. It successfully absorbed the majority of a 50mph impact on pavement. There is an indent on the front left that would have surely been a fractured skull without it, and numerous scrapes around the top and chin that would have left me maimed if it did not stay on my head throughout the entirety of the crash. Fortunately, my mind and body are working properly today because of this life-saving equipment.
If you are a rider, I encourage you to own and wear one of these every time you ride. I recommend one with a face shield or guard. If you know someone who rides, please encourage them to wear one.
It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them) 3 years ago
Guys, why the downvotes for Linda? They haven't said anything bad. If they're religious, they can praise their God for saving other's lives. I'm not religious myself, but I don't agree with downvotes for it. Also, downvotes are really only for spam/mean comments, cause they can get the account banned.
Kassiopeia 3 years ago
I also don't like the downvotes but I get that it sounds like she's just saying "praise my god"
Load More Replies...
Rowan/Vin 3 years ago
Praise the people who made the helmet and sold them
Load More Replies...
Dana J 3 years ago
I agree with It's Lizzy, don't hate, its easy to hate, but it takes a very strong person to love and plus love just feels so much better doesn't it?
#19
Here Is The Helmet Of A Guy Who Went Head-First Into The Base Of A Lift Tower And Walked Away With A Minor Concussion. Wear A Helmet
Powerful Katrinka 3 years ago
Helmets for skiers has proved to be a double-edged sword. My family has been in the ski business for over 60 years. We've all noticed that people wearing helmets ski more recklessly, often on runs that far exceed their level of ability. Absolutely, the advent of helmets has saved countless skiers from severe head trauma and even death. But the actual numbers of serious accidents has ski-rocketed. People wearing helmets seem to feel that they are invincible, and they most assuredly are not. In addition, the number of horrendous neck-injuries has more than tripled because the neck has to absorb the force of a high speed collision.
Aunt Riarch 3 years ago
We had a similar problem with seatbelts. Drivers felt invincible, and pedestrian casualties rose.
Load More Replies... #20
Is Your Life Worth More Than $40?
Colin Timp 3 years ago
Thanks for mentioning the suit too. Too many people don't realize how easily skin is removed by pavement.
Anne Meczywor 3 years ago
It would take a whole lot more than $40 worth of concealer for life to work with the facial scars if this person had not worn a helmet.
David Brown 3 years ago
No better helmet in my opinion. Yes they're expensive but you have a much better chance at survival than with those cheap knockoffs.
Ann Dennis 3 years ago
I bet it's still your favorite helmet! You just got a new one to wear now.
When it comes to the helmets themselves, while it's OK to purchase your child's clothes in a size larger than he or she wears, the same is not true of helmets; helmets should fit perfectly when you purchase them.
Test your children's sizing by having them try on a variety of helmets. When fastened and tightened, the helmet should not move from side to side or front to back, and your child's forehead should be properly covered to keep it protected.
Helmets for children or toddlers should also have a buckle that holds firm in a crash but releases after five seconds of steady pull to avoid potential strangulation. A child's helmet will usually fit for several years, and most models have removable fitting pads that can be replaced with thinner ones as the child's head grows.
#21
Daily Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet
Zaza Zooey 3 years ago
Was this person okay?! I feel like I need more context for some of these pictures.
enohPilivE 3 years ago
Probably better than if that helmet was in one piece. Cycling helmets are designed to distribute the energy from the impact by breaking apart...
Load More Replies... #22
Will Always Wear A Helmet From Now On
Was biking on the 4th of July and people were setting off fireworks. The next thing I know I hear a massive explosion in my ear and my head feels hot. Turns out a pretty big firework somehow went off right above my head. Had minor hearing loss for a day.
Max A. 3 years ago
surely is, (and if it wasn't for his helmet, a surely interesting way to the hospital)
Load More Replies... Night Owl 3 years ago
Doing that would be safer and cause less cleaning costs and environmental damage and less injuries and trauma to humans and animals
Load More Replies...
#23
There Were A Few Bugs On My Ride Tonight
Memere 3 years ago
I'll bet he went right out & bought one after this ride!
Load More Replies... 
#24
Wear Your Helmet
Those guidelines apply to children who are at least 1 year old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 1 year of age should not be on bicycles at all.
"It's simply not safe to take a baby on a bicycle," Levy highlighted. "Babies haven't developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight. And, just as important, their necks aren't strong enough to support the weight of even the lightest helmets. So even though baby-sized helmets are available, they are not advisable."
#25
Just A Friendly Reminder To Wear A Helmet. Better The Helmet Crack Open Than My Skull Is How I See It
Memere 3 years ago
Or have to look at a framed photo on top of a closed coffin because of a smashed head/face.
Load More Replies... #26
Broken Elbow, But Helmet Saved My Noggin! Grateful I Was Wearing One
#27
Always Wear Your Helmets Cheese Bags And Never Trust Ice Patches
Nimues Child 3 years ago
Thank you. I'm not able to parse that title before coffee!
Load More Replies...
Lori Leffler 3 years ago (edited)
why exactly are we riding anything...bike or motorcycle or whatever in the SNOW!! Thats just asking for trouble!
#28
This Helmet Was Shot By A Tear Gas Grenade During The Protest In Iraq
BakedKahuna 3 years ago
It's still something that is supposed to protect your head
Load More Replies...
Enigma wrapped in a paradox 3 years ago
I wear one for work. Never had any skull crushing accidents but was grateful to be wearing it every time I got hit in the head with metal objects. Probably would have gotten a few concussions over the years otherwise. It may not be a helmet as such but it is safety gear for your head and I think it belongs in this thread as much as any helmet
But you also have to remember that helmets aren't forever. Some are manufactured to withstand one impact, while others are made to withstand multiple impacts.
Bicycle helmets, for example, are designed to protect against a single severe impact, such as a fall onto the pavement. The foam material in the helmet will crush to absorb the impact energy during a fall and can't protect you again from a subsequent impact. So even if there are no visible signs of damage, you must replace it.
Other helmets are often designed to protect against multiple moderate impacts, including football and hockey helmets. However, you may still have to replace these helmets after one severe impact, particularly if the helmet has visible signs of damage, such as a cracked shell or a permanent dent.
#29
This Is Why I Wear A Helmet
Aunt Riarch 3 years ago
Off topic I do like your name. I once knew a beagle called Bagel
Load More Replies... #30
A Helmet Will Save A Life Or A Face
#31
Flying Debris Broke My Visor
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago (edited)
I'll bet that scared the you know what outta you! You know, the, oh my , $hit out of you!
Apachebathmat 3 years ago
My! That would have been, at the very least a sight taking injury, possibly more
#32
Wear Your Helmets. This One May Have Saved My Life
Lara Verne 3 years ago
This is why I always tell my friend. He's cyclist, but hate helmets, because "his hair are sweaty under helmet" I'll rather have sweaty hair than cracked skull.
#33
Wear Your Helmet Kids
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
Surprising what it takes to actually crack one of these helmets. Don't want to visualize the aftermath a head without one on.
#34
Here's The Helmet That Saved My Life
#35
Daily Reminder To Wear Your Gear, My Buddy's Helmet After His Crash. No Head Injuries
#36
Guy Fell 20m In Scotland A Few Weeks Ago. Helmet Saved His Life, Only Needed 4 Stitches In The Back Of His Head, Broken Ribs, Broken Vertebrae, Bruised Lungs, And Some Bumps. Wear A Helmet
Angie Jane 3 years ago
Four stitches I bet were from the tightener thingy at the back - on impact it got forced under the scalp - same happened to my hubby - saved his life too. Worth four stitches
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago (edited)
When I was 18, my dad fell maybe 8-10 feet off of a ladder. He hit our concrete driveway and sustained a massive brain injury. We chose to care for him at home. He was in a near-vegetative state, bedridden, and had to wear diapers and had to have a feeding tube installed. He lived for 21 years after his accident. He died last year, but the man who was my father died in November of 2000. I wish he'd been wearing a helmet, but he had "only" gone up the ladder "for a minute" to install some Christmas lights.
#37
Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet
KitKat 3 years ago
From _Captain_Future_ : " This lad saved my life. I somehow managed to slip off the left pedal with my left foot and slipped in to my front wheel, got stuck, mad a looping and went full speed kissing the asphalt road. Without the helmet my head probably would have sayed goodbye. Luckily besides massive pain nothings broken or anything i have to be worried about. But this accident showed me one more time how fast u can get into to life dangerous situations just by yourself. Stay healthy folks"
Argle Bargle 3 years ago
Oh I did that too, pedal got stuck and flipped onto my head. Helmet took the brunt of it, but still grazed my whole face and got a massive concussion. Without the helmet though, that would have been it for sure.
Load More Replies... 
Mommitude Attitude 3 years ago
Beyond the scrapes to the metal, it also looks like a massive gash in the metal, which would have likely caused a serious head wound or worse.
Load More Replies... #38
This Helmet Saved My Life On The Brooklyn Bridge When I Crashed Into Wandering Tourists On The Bike Lane
It’s a Giro Cormick MIPS. It did it’s job but I did pass out (docs thought no concussion). Is there an even safer helmet? I’m thinking maybe Giro Aether or Bell Z20 both MIPS. Thoughts?
Grace and Lucy 3 years ago
My son survived a crash that totaled his Harley and required surgery but is good now. The safer the helmet the better, I say. Helmets are replaceable but your head/brain are not.
#39
Wear A Helmet
#40
My Mom Braked For 60 Foot And Then Had A Stroke. She Tumbled And Rolled 70 Feet After And Got Scratches, But That Could Have Been So Much Worse
Danniee Gyrl 3 years ago
I was trying to copy and paste the OP response (for you), however Twitter is being a d*ck to me, wanting me to log in (I deactivated over 2 years ago) .(click on the name: MetalPetal99 under the picture and you can see the thread)
Load More Replies...
#41
Daily Reminder To Wear A Helmet
IFailedSuccessfully(He/they) 3 years ago
Idk what it is about these and the bug ones that tell me to run away
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
I think it's primal - a warning that this sport is not for us.
Load More Replies... #42
My Friend Also Was Saved By His Helmet Recently
#43
This Helmet Saved My Life This Weekend. I Only Bought And Started Using A Helmet Two Weeks Ago. Please Always Wear One
#44
This, Kids, Is Why We Wear Helmets. Stacked It At 43 Km/H, Helmet Took The Brunt
Stoopham McFernybabes 3 years ago
Aussie slang, Aussie measurements, Aussie porch in the background. Loving it.
Mariella Rinaldi 3 years ago
Actually, that's not "Aussie" measurements: that's International System Units...
Load More Replies...
#45
I'm Glad I Got A Full Face Helmet
David Brown 3 years ago
Some helmet companies will send you a replacement if yours is destroyed in an accident and it saved your life. Take a picture and send it to them. A couple minutes could save you the cost of buying a new one.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
It's been a long time since i've played around with wheeled death-machines. Today I learned they make full-face skateboard helmets (which is what this one is).
#46
Wear Your Helmets People
I was out riding on a road I have been on many times before. But last Thursday 5/16 I was hit by a pickup truck. I do not remember the accident but someone who witnessed it said I flew a ways and landed on my back and head. I spent a day in the hospital and now just a little banged up. I believe if it wasn't for the helmet it would have been much worse.
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago (edited)
My father fell off of a ladder in 2000, only around an 8-foot fall. He fractured his skull on our driveway and sustained several hematomas and a massive brain injury. He was basically in a severely brain-damaged/near-vegetative state for the next 21 years. He was bedridden, incontinent/had to wear diapers, and had to have a feeding tube installed through the wall of his abdomen/stomach. I wish he had had a helmet on, but he'd only gone up the ladder to put some decorations up. My father would probably be alive today if he'd worn a helmet... though I know he probably never would have just for a "quick trip" to the roof.
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago
I am so sorry for your father. But I agree, he probably wouldn#t have worn one just for checking something quickly. My father used to climb up to the roof (2 story house!) with a ladder until recently to remove ivy, and I'm so glad he now decided that with nearly 80, he doesn#t want to anymore. No, he never wore a helmet (and to be fair, nobody thought about it.)
Load More Replies... #47
Friendly PSA To Wear Your Helmet Kids. Trees Are Hard. That Would've Been My Skull
Weirdest Bi You’ll Ever Meet 3 years ago
It may not look like much but imagine that on your skull. Imma copy Linda rq. Mothers would rather see that than a coffin.
#48
Always Wear Your Helmets, I Don’t Want To Think About What Would Have Happened If I Wasn’t Wearing Mine. Stay Safe
Linda Williams 3 years ago
Making screenshots to show to my boys. Because they think they're invincible 😢
Felicia Dale 3 years ago
Tell them to bang their heads against a tree or a curb. If they’re smart they’ll realize this is a bad idea. If they say this won’t happen to them because they’re such good riders show them race drivers and riders who wear helmets all the damn time. Give them race training. They will learn very soon that helmets aren’t just a good idea, they are required! Also, full coverage gear including gloves and boots!
Load More Replies... #49
My Helmet Just Saved My Life
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
See what it takes to make this happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69DzW7RJLW8
#50
So Uhhh Helmets Yeah?
#51
This Is Why You Wear A Full Face Helmet With Visor
#52
This Is One Lucky Guy
#53
As Someone Who Was Anti-Helmet For Years, I'd Like To Thank My Wife For Insisting I Wear One. That Would Have Been My Head
#54
The Helmet Possibly Saved Me From Serious Harm
#55
My Dad's Motorcycle Helmet Deflected A Bullet
The author said: "He was shot at during an attempted carjacking while riding last night. He was shot in the leg and the helmet. He'll recover since the bullet that hit his leg didn't hit anything important. He was riding a vintage Harley down the block and some guy got out of his car and pointed the gun at my dad. Dad said he popped the clutch and made the guy stumble and that's when he got shot. Dad did return fire but didn't know if he hit the guy. He rode away and called the police once he was safe"
Chase Urso 3 years ago
That's good and good that he wasn't afraid or something else might've happened!!
#56
My Son's Helmet After We Took A Tumble This Afternoon. He Is Totally Fine, But I Hate To Think What Would Have Happened If He Wasn't Wearing One
#57
This Is My Favorite Helmet Because It Saved My Life
#60
Glad I Didn’t Wear My Open-Face Helmet
Dre Mosley 3 years ago
In Florida, we have Love Bug season. That helmet would be caked with those things.
#61
I Got Hit By A Car. Chances Are I Wouldn’t Have Made It If I’d Not Been Wearing A Good Helmet. Don’t Be A Helmet And Wear One
#65
Not The Most Dramatic Post-Crash Helmet Picture, But Posting For Commenters In My Other Post Who Were Questioning The Value Of Wearing A Helmet
Rowan/Vin 3 years ago
B-but not wearing a helmet looks COOL! I look awesome without a helmet.. *crashes* *now doesn't have a face because it got skinned off*
Load More Replies...
#68
I Stumbled Onto A Couple Of Pictures From When One Of My Helmets Broke. The Broken Collar Bone And Broken Knee Guard Were Bonuses
#69
Those Scratches Could Have Been Serious Trauma And Damage To My Face, Jaw, And Head If Had It Not Been For The Helmet. I Wish More People Use Helmets
#70
When Your Helmet Saves You, But Not In The Way You Expect
#72
I Broke This One Good Along With My Collarbone
#78
I Wear A Helmet All The Time, But I'm Still Super Thankful I Had This On. It Saved Me (Or My Family) A Ton Of Grief
#80
I Hit A Huge Swarm Of Bugs On My First Ride With My New Helmet
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
I used to work in a motorcycle store, I mostly sold clothing and helmets there. I always encouraged bikers to invest in the best helmet they could afford. If you’ve got a $30 head then buy a $30 helmet! Our cheapest was £25 and the most expensive custom helmet was £750-950 depending on spec. Always look for quality / testing certification and always make sure the chin strap is fitted snugly. A loose chin strap may LOOK cool but it’ll tear through your neck in a split second should you encounter a kerb or solid object when you are sliding down the road. Wear as much protective clothing as you can and stop wearing T-shirts and shorts, sliding down tarmac strips skin and muscle from bones in a split second. Someone wants you home tonight, ride safely eh?
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Thank you! The lack of protective clothing is terrifying. People have lost limbs because the bones were there but the muscles were being hosed off a road surface. Safety first!
Load More Replies...
Lousha 3 years ago
Before we met, my partner got into it with a deer one day one his way to work, outside of town, at dawn. He was not speeding, he was aware of the risk, he was specifically checking the treeline for deer, and still, that enormous animal just appeared out of nowhere and it was way too close for any manoeuvre to have a chance. BAD crash, totalled bike, rather serious injuries for my love, some still bothers him up to this day. Even with a helmet, his glasses were shoved into his eyes so hard he looked like he hit a brick wall. But because of that helmet his smart, beautiful head was saved, and we could meet and now I have the best pair I could've asked for. It is NOT cool to ride without a helmet, there's no allure to it. Same with seat belts in a car. They crease your shirt and ruin the look? Imagine brain matter on them! They are uncomfortable? Imagine full body brace or a casket!
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
I hit a deer with my CAR and totaled the front end - horrifying to think of a soft, plushie human body absorbing that impact.
Load More Replies... Minath 3 years ago
If you do have an accident and you end up in A+E, emergency room etc, take your helmet with you as the damage on it can help the medics understand the mechanism of injury.
martin734 3 years ago
When I had my accident, my helmet was still on my head when I got to A+E, it was all that was holding my head together.
Load More Replies...
Anggi Angkasa 3 years ago
As a person who experienced an accident during riding my bike PLEASE WEAR A HELMET!!! I wont be able to write this if I didn't wear one, my skull would already be cracked open. It SAVE your life
martin734 3 years ago
When I had my near fatal motorcycle accident my helmet was so badly damaged that the Paramedics and Air Ambulance Doctors didn't even remove it during the flight to the hospital. They just removed the visor and cut the chin guard so they could intubate me. It wasn't removed until I was in the operating theatre. I ended up spending 2 weeks in an induced coma with a badly fractured skull and a diffuse axonal brain injury, as well as numerous other breaks and fractures. There was no possibility I would have survived the accident if I wasn't wearing a helmet.
Hadley 3 years ago
PLEASE, PLEASE wear a helmet! Just last week I woke up to sirens 3 blocks away. 28 year-old guy on a motorcycle got hit by an SUV. He wasn't wearing a helmet. Died on the scene. I drive by the spot everyday and you can still see where the cops spray painted to mark the accident.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
being an old fart now, i wish when i was younger there were bike helmets as i had two accidents: first one broke one leg in 7 places & the other resulted in fractured clavicle and concussion. i later started riding motorcycles and always wore a helmet. but, make sure no one but you selects the brain bucket so you get what you want & it fits correctly. my ex bought me one. the only thing he got right was i wanted a full face helmet but it lacked the netting under the chin area. because of this i had a bee/wasp get under & in the helmet while going 55. the thought of getting stung in my eye/face was terrifying. my ex never wore a helmet which ticked me off. he would ridicule me wearing helmet, leathers & gloves when it was 90 degrees out. i spent too many years in school to leave my brains on the pavement. when it would get real hot i would wear a bikini top under my jacket. better that than having a permanent road rash.
RandomCitizen 3 years ago
When you said "old fart" i pictured a guy in his 50s with a greying beard. The bikini top was a surprising accessory for a chap like that.
Load More Replies... 
Rachel Reynolds 3 years ago
Not a helmet, but at work we have a pair of safety glasses with 1 inch chunk of cutoff wheel embedded in them. They're mounted on a wooden sign that says "Follow OSHA guidelines".
Mad McQueen 3 years ago
As a former motorclothing manager at a Harley dealership I always suggested full face. Then at least a DOT approved half or at very least a skull cap style for those being picky or wanting biker looking style. Number one...in 99% of all crashes the rider is ejected off the bike. And they lead with their head like an arrow. 99%. And they become a rag doll. Their isn't time to tense up. You shouldn't. You should try to project yourself into the impact not away. Away can be into traffic or trees or dividers and guardrails. Try to aim to land on the hood or into the side of the object as you will stop your momentum. Otherwise you are a slingshot bullet projectile with no control. If you have to push away from the bike go upwards. Maybe you (lose or ) break your legs or hips or back but you can survive. If you can handle it try to watch accident footage of bikes and understand you are always driving defensively on the road. Empty roads are worse. Animals ice trees unknown hazards.
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
I used to work in a motorcycle store, I mostly sold clothing and helmets there. I always encouraged bikers to invest in the best helmet they could afford. If you’ve got a $30 head then buy a $30 helmet! Our cheapest was £25 and the most expensive custom helmet was £750-950 depending on spec. Always look for quality / testing certification and always make sure the chin strap is fitted snugly. A loose chin strap may LOOK cool but it’ll tear through your neck in a split second should you encounter a kerb or solid object when you are sliding down the road. Wear as much protective clothing as you can and stop wearing T-shirts and shorts, sliding down tarmac strips skin and muscle from bones in a split second. Someone wants you home tonight, ride safely eh?
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Thank you! The lack of protective clothing is terrifying. People have lost limbs because the bones were there but the muscles were being hosed off a road surface. Safety first!
Load More Replies... Lousha 3 years ago
Before we met, my partner got into it with a deer one day one his way to work, outside of town, at dawn. He was not speeding, he was aware of the risk, he was specifically checking the treeline for deer, and still, that enormous animal just appeared out of nowhere and it was way too close for any manoeuvre to have a chance. BAD crash, totalled bike, rather serious injuries for my love, some still bothers him up to this day. Even with a helmet, his glasses were shoved into his eyes so hard he looked like he hit a brick wall. But because of that helmet his smart, beautiful head was saved, and we could meet and now I have the best pair I could've asked for. It is NOT cool to ride without a helmet, there's no allure to it. Same with seat belts in a car. They crease your shirt and ruin the look? Imagine brain matter on them! They are uncomfortable? Imagine full body brace or a casket!
Weed in the Garden 3 years ago
I hit a deer with my CAR and totaled the front end - horrifying to think of a soft, plushie human body absorbing that impact.
Load More Replies... Minath 3 years ago
If you do have an accident and you end up in A+E, emergency room etc, take your helmet with you as the damage on it can help the medics understand the mechanism of injury.
martin734 3 years ago
When I had my accident, my helmet was still on my head when I got to A+E, it was all that was holding my head together.
Load More Replies... Anggi Angkasa 3 years ago
As a person who experienced an accident during riding my bike PLEASE WEAR A HELMET!!! I wont be able to write this if I didn't wear one, my skull would already be cracked open. It SAVE your life
martin734 3 years ago
When I had my near fatal motorcycle accident my helmet was so badly damaged that the Paramedics and Air Ambulance Doctors didn't even remove it during the flight to the hospital. They just removed the visor and cut the chin guard so they could intubate me. It wasn't removed until I was in the operating theatre. I ended up spending 2 weeks in an induced coma with a badly fractured skull and a diffuse axonal brain injury, as well as numerous other breaks and fractures. There was no possibility I would have survived the accident if I wasn't wearing a helmet.
Hadley 3 years ago
PLEASE, PLEASE wear a helmet! Just last week I woke up to sirens 3 blocks away. 28 year-old guy on a motorcycle got hit by an SUV. He wasn't wearing a helmet. Died on the scene. I drive by the spot everyday and you can still see where the cops spray painted to mark the accident.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
being an old fart now, i wish when i was younger there were bike helmets as i had two accidents: first one broke one leg in 7 places & the other resulted in fractured clavicle and concussion. i later started riding motorcycles and always wore a helmet. but, make sure no one but you selects the brain bucket so you get what you want & it fits correctly. my ex bought me one. the only thing he got right was i wanted a full face helmet but it lacked the netting under the chin area. because of this i had a bee/wasp get under & in the helmet while going 55. the thought of getting stung in my eye/face was terrifying. my ex never wore a helmet which ticked me off. he would ridicule me wearing helmet, leathers & gloves when it was 90 degrees out. i spent too many years in school to leave my brains on the pavement. when it would get real hot i would wear a bikini top under my jacket. better that than having a permanent road rash.
RandomCitizen 3 years ago
When you said "old fart" i pictured a guy in his 50s with a greying beard. The bikini top was a surprising accessory for a chap like that.
Load More Replies... Rachel Reynolds 3 years ago
Not a helmet, but at work we have a pair of safety glasses with 1 inch chunk of cutoff wheel embedded in them. They're mounted on a wooden sign that says "Follow OSHA guidelines".
Mad McQueen 3 years ago
As a former motorclothing manager at a Harley dealership I always suggested full face. Then at least a DOT approved half or at very least a skull cap style for those being picky or wanting biker looking style. Number one...in 99% of all crashes the rider is ejected off the bike. And they lead with their head like an arrow. 99%. And they become a rag doll. Their isn't time to tense up. You shouldn't. You should try to project yourself into the impact not away. Away can be into traffic or trees or dividers and guardrails. Try to aim to land on the hood or into the side of the object as you will stop your momentum. Otherwise you are a slingshot bullet projectile with no control. If you have to push away from the bike go upwards. Maybe you (lose or ) break your legs or hips or back but you can survive. If you can handle it try to watch accident footage of bikes and understand you are always driving defensively on the road. Empty roads are worse. Animals ice trees unknown hazards.
You May Like 29 Things That Were Created Completely By Accident 50 Interesting Pictures Showing The Insides Of Things We Rarely See (New Pics) You’ve Probably Seen Enough Horrible Things Today, Here Are 50 “Eye Bleach” Pics To Restore The Balance (New Pics)
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Donata Ruzgaitė
Gabija Palšytė
Related on Bored Panda
