‘That being said, I’m in favor of letting people do what they want concerning helmets. Now whenever I see someone riding a bike in shorts, flip-flops, a T-shirt and no helmet I cringe inside.’
The shorts and flip flops I agree with.
The T shirt is no big deal.
A helmet is a tool. And depending on where and how you ride, it can be an impediment. I live in a very rural area, its much more likely I’ll have a deer v bike, or Deere v bike ‘accident’ riding these country roads.
I’ve found its much better that I have an unrestricted field of view, AND as much hearing as possible under these specific cicumstances.
You only have one option as a rider. Avoidance. Helmet or no helmet, you end up in ICU otherwise, as in your case.
I’m very glad you survived, and very glad you recovered.
“The T shirt is no big deal.”
I really, really wish I’d been wearing my leathers. I was wearing a T-shirt because it was so hot. The loss of skin should keep me cooler in the future, but then again the scar tissue may insulate me. Lesson learned. :)