Be prepared for an accident

[Drago]

They're certainly trying the contributory negligence approach with my case.

Aye, even folk who didn't receive a head injury they'll try an muddy the waters if the rider wasnt lidded up. A good solicitor will make mincemeat of that.

 

[fossyant]

I'd be more worried about getting shot in America than run over. You can keep Tango Man and Elon

 

[mjr]

They're certainly trying the contributory negligence approach with my case.

Yes, they will try, in the hope that your lawyer has a similar anti cycling view, or fears that an eventual judge does, and pressures you to accept a reduction.

Of course, some lawyers will try anything, so if you wore all the gear, they could argue that you gone out prepared and expecting to crash, looking for a poor downtrodden driver to claim compo off.

There is literally no way to preempt what a less scrupulous lawyer might try. It is far better if riders do what is best for their safety, not what they suspect non cycling lawyers might expect.

 

[raleighnut]

When drivers start wearing fire suits and full face helmets to pop down the shops I will dress up like a beacon to ride my bike. Until then I'll wear normal clothing and carry on like I have for the last 55 years.

Aye same here man but car drivers these days are just thoughtless tossers

 

[matticus]

I have had accidents on both bikes and motorbikes and I think a cycle helmet has little effect if you are in a collision with a car when it comes to impact injury. But from experience I know a bicycle helmet can prevent gravel rash.

Impressive picture Steve! Glad you're all healed up (assuming the profile pic's more current) x
________________________________________________________________

Yes, helmets are good for minor injuries - abrasions, bruises, minor cuts. These can be unpleasant (and tend to bleed a lot more than similar on your elbow/knee), and I don't blame anyone for mitigating those impacts.
But they're not life-threatening. I've crashed my car and spent considerable time in hospital. Also had a head-injury on my bike (stitches, couple of hours total in hospital - driver prosecuted, large payout from his insurance company). I'm happy that I know what I'm talking about.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Why are we discussing helmets? I thought we were grown ups.

Because people read too much into a post from someone in another country and legal system who was not even talking about risk of injury. But, hey, its a helmet debate so we must take sides.

 

[recumbentpanda]

As this thread originally began in the recumbent section, I feel moved to point out while I wear a helmet only intermittently as a recumbent rider I never venture out without my elbow pads. As I have discovered, in an off the elbows are often the first thing to strike the ground!

 

[MontyVeda]

The best advice for preparing for an accident is wear a helmet. ...

Do you take your own advice?

I bet you don't.

Accidents happen in the home, in shops, in cars, on aeroplanes... you get the idea.

Do you always wear a helmet, just in case?

 

[classic33]

I ride a Brox Quadracycle/Quadricycle, others ride recumbent trikes. A motorised quad rider doesn't have to wear a helmet in most of the UK, some trike riders are excluded from the requirement for helmets to be worn.

@rydabent. Are you saying that because they have no engines, we should be treated differently? If you are, will you say why?

 

[Rusty Nails]

As this thread originally began in the recumbent section, I feel moved to point out while I wear a helmet only intermittently as a recumbent rider I never venture out without my elbow pads. As I have discovered, in an off the elbows are often the first thing to strike the ground!

I demand proof that elbow pads have had any statistical effect on falls on uprights or recumbents. Pretty soon people like you will be pushing for them to be mandatory. I have never worn elbow pads, despite having the requisite two elbows, and will fight to the death to keep the right to do so.

This is getting into dangerous territory and deserves to be banished to a separate thread of its own.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm wondering if @rydabent is just a trollbot... they start a thread then abandon it, refusing to come back and engage with those who reply.

 

[recumbentpanda]

Sometimes I have forgotten to put them on and done a whole ride without them -and nothing has happened.

 

[simongt]

All a helmet does is stop a bit of gravel rash on your noggin

This is a very moot point, open to much discussion & opinion.
When I was knocked off my bike in '18, I hit my head on the blacktop as I went down and was unconcious for at least twenty minutes as a result.
If I'd not been wearing a bash hat, I'd rather not think about the possible outcome.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

But, hey, its a helmet debate so we must take sides.

Actually if you sit on the wall, best wear a helmet, in case you fall off.

 

[MontyVeda]

This is a very moot point, open to much discussion & opinion.
...

Absolutely. When I fell over in a sitting room and bashed my head on the corner of a picture frame... I wish I had been wearing a bash hat