[RFEngineer]

“Usually if a helmet is not mentioned, the rider had one on.”

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=789102

“Police said the man was not wearing a helmet.”

So, the only question is if he died from head injuries.

Again, it’s the car drivers fault, but this guy did lack basic safety equipment that may or may not have made a difference in this instance.

[silverleaf]

“this guy did lack basic safety equipment that may or may not have made a difference in this instance.”

blame the victim

[Smokin' Joe]

Last study I saw on orthopaedic injuries had the skull down the list pretty far for injury sites. Tibia and fibula came in at most likely bones to be broken, followed by the radius and ulna, femur, ribs, pelvis, humerus, and spine..the skull was pretty far down because of the natural tenedncy to protect it. That may or may not apply in this case, but getting slammed by 1500-2500+ lbs. of automobile can be fatal whether your head catches it or not.

Experiences vary, but the times I wore a helmet I could not see nor hear as well, and head movement was limited, but I have an old neck injury which is aggravated by the extra weight as well. YMMV.

Everyone has to weigh the risk of riding without one against the relative advantages of situational awareness and the extra fractions of a second to react to unforseen threats--and every other vehicle out there is a threat.