In reply to spearing05:
> (In reply to mrbird) I may be wrong but the wording of the OP kind of suggests an issue with people 'banging on about helmets whilst climbing/cycling'rather than a desire to see them worn in cars.
Yeah, that's what I've always had a problem understanding. Anytime I've seen a helmet debate, whether on the internet or in real life, some people become really upset. Insults start flying and sometimes even threats of violence (oh the irony).
Many people take an 'I don't care what you do' attitude but it's inevitably followed by 'but you're a f*cking IDIOT and your going to die and your kids are going to be orphans and it's all going to be your fault because you're selfish and stupid and an arsehole. Have you even thought about the poor people who have to scrape up your brains? Have you? HUH?'
Or words to that effect.
Surely if helmets on bikes and while climbing get you that upset you would at least be slightly in favour of helmets for other activities that result in head injuries.
In 2011 there were 25,000 killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads. 61% of these were car occupants. Assuming that the first link (that said 30% of serious injuries are the result of head trauma) can be applied to the UK by my calculations that's 4,500 deaths and serious injuries that could potentially be prevented or mitigated each year. And that's not even taking into account the 180,000 people who were slightly injured.
What I'm really interested in is why people get very upset about some things but not others despite the subjects being very similar.