I've been a "biker" most of my 40+ years. I have many friends that ride. I've lost several over the years, some where wearing helmets some weren't. I've had many friends crash and live, again some with helmets some without. And I know 3 who are now paralyzed, due to breaking their necks/backs, all 3 - wearing helmets, now they can't feed themselves, hug anyone, or even breath on their own. Do helmets work? Sometimes, not always, and I know 3 that wished they hadn't worn one.
Also know many people who have been in car wrecks, Those with seatbelts on lived, those without did not. Seatbelts hold you in place, helmets don't protect your bodies as you slam into a tree, guardrail, car, pavement, so wear a helmet and protect your brain so you can spend years thinking about what your life use to be like as you lie in never ending pain from a shattered body

How about this instead, why do people drink and drive?

I don’t understand why people drink and ride bikes. aren’t they dangerous enough?

Most people die from internal injuries not head injuries in motorcycle accideents. My thought and prayers to Matthew and his family.

My husbands friend was in a cycle accident 21 years ago and was wearing a Helmet.........It saved his life but not the quality. He was wearing a helmet but still got severe brain damage. Oh speed and alchol were NOT a factor it was a driver of a car not paying attention at a intersection

......and so why is everyone rating and evaluating this driver? He suffered ahead injury so leave this alone. Are you all hoping that what you have written will make this go away?
It will always be an issue...no helmet, was he drinking?...the fact is it is HORRIBLE, leave it alone and hope the family can have some sort of comfort in moving forward with this head injury.
If you have never lived with a head injury patient, DO NOT COMMENT!!

MY point is seat belts save lives, that's why the law was enacted. Helmets also save lives...but no law, unless you are a minor...confusion sets in here.

Helmets in cars, only if you are racing for now..lol..peace

I have to agree that double standards tick me off also. Any minor on a motorcycle is required to wear a helmet or be subject to a fine. I agree that there should not be a double standard so any minor riding a bike should be subject to a fine also...

Hey onelife2live, what about wearing a helmet when in an automibile like the stats show? Or would that be to inconvenient for you???

Stop making sense.

Check the stats in rock county over the last 5 years....the vast majority of motorcycle accidents were people without helmets, had been drinking, and if you check the insurance company records 89% were Harley's...I did not mean to single out Harley's, but they are the majority here...and SUV drivers have to wear seat belts and have airbags, as far as drinking, I'm sure they do....I apologize for sounding harsh but most parents teach their kids to wear a helmet when riding their bike but it is totally acceptable to ride a motorized bike without one...my head is hard but not that hard...double standards tick me off...jmo

I suppose all of those worrying about making sure helmets are worn for the good of society will not appreciate this...
From bisociety.org..."Head injuries occur in more than two-thirds of all automobile accidents"
Are you wearing a helmet when you drive an automobile???

onelife2live...where did it say he was driving a Harley, and what possesses you to link this man's stupidity with Harley riders? I am proud to say I am a member of the SCWHOG and never in my life have I ever had a drop of alcohol when riding my bike. But hey, you would win the bet about him not wearing a helmet, but then again, duh, it clearly states he wasn't in the article. I suppose if he had been driving an SUV, or something else, you would make the same brilliant comment about all SUV drivers being speeding drunks?

or a seatbelt...but seatbelt laws were enacted so the insurance companies would save money on claims and the Law Enforcement got the benefit of pulling you over for it, and checking if you have been drinking...Motorcycles get a free pass....jmo...peace

If you have nothing to lose, why wear a helmet?

Oh yeah, have a few beers in the summer heat and then hop on your motorcycle with no helmet...no sympathy here....jmo

I have to wear a seat belt when I have Airbags, but I bet he had no helmet on....The police go to schools and tell the little kids to wear a helmet when they ride their bikes, even the police patrols on bikes have helmets....but don't worry you can hop on your Harley and go as fast as you want and no helmet....double standards suck...Harley Davidson lobbying in Madison I'm guessing.

the 'eviler of two evils' strikes again....

And that he will be willing to say to others "man, don't drink and drive...trust me, it could have killed me."

To dually's post I would add....and wear a helmet.

He's probably lucky to be alive. I hope he's able to recover from his injuries and they are not permanently disabling.

I love the term "failed to negotiate a curve."

hmmm....someone from Edgerton drinking and driving....IMAGINE.

Yet another person hurt because of drinking and driving, gotta love that!
For crying out loud, if you are going to ride a motorcycle, DON'T drink and drive. Park the thing first, period.