Wear a helmet

[aeronca65t]

Along with the equestrian helmet I posted previously, there are also certain kayak or bicycle helmets that I think aren't too bad (see below).
I've been riding motorcycles for over 40 years and I always wore a helmet, even when it wasn't the law. Same thing with seat belts....I had them in all my cars (installed them in some) and always wore them (even when some folks said they were a bad idea).
I agree about the problem with lack of rollover protection vs. wearing a helmet (plus clocking you head against the bar). My street Miata has a Hard Dog roll bar and I have it padded with the proper FIA-type "hard" padding (not plumbing foam). Like I said, I don't wear a helmet presently, but I keep thinking to myself,"Why not?" (I'm not concerned about the approval of others). It's my main commuter car and I generally drive it on at least one 200 mile trip each week.
My MGB does not have a roll bar. But I drive it very gently, just to local car shows and cruise nights. All short trips. I am presently deciding whether or not I should keep it or swap for something else. If I keep it, it'll get a roll bar like the Miata (and then a helmet would be viable in my view).
As said above, everyone should make their own decisions about these things. I'm still weighing the pros and cons myself. I liked the point of the original question.

 

[startech47]

That makes sense as some of the Fairfax County Motor Men wear their helmets when driving a police cruiser.

 

[DNK]

I always make my cat wear one when she goes with me

If you don't you might end up like this

Most famous helmet in a car

 

[Member 10617]

Very interesting comments and some really funny, clever postings! This is one reason why this Forum is so great.

I think it is good to have this discussion (pros and cons). I had never heard of the Buco helmet (which I think is pretty ugly but the right thought).

Earlier, I raised a similar question question about rollbars. There were many pros and cons on that also. Best comment was: a rollbar makes the difference between an open and a closed casket (ha, ha). And I raised a question about shoulder harness vs old type belt. Many pros and cons there also.

I think a half helmet (no face mask) is a good idea, and I think I might invest in one.

The folks at the shop where I have my car worked on have this to say about rollbars and seat belts:

(1) A rollbar has to be pretty high to give you any reasonable protection, and so it is impossible to use a top.

(2) A rollbar might protect the car some, but you are going to lift up out of your seat and be thrashed around if your car overturns, so it is not going to help you much -- unless you are very, very lucky, especially with drop down doors.

(3) A shoulder harness will hold you upright, so your head is bound to be smashed if you go over. A lap belt at least gives you an chance to duck down.

(4) It is very unlikely that these cars will flip over unless you are driving very fast or unless someone broadsides you and flips you over (in which case you are unlikely to survive no matter how you are secured in the car). Of course you could also roll off a mountain road (like the road up Mt. Lemmon in Tucson -- George) and flip over... but I don't think anything would save you.

(5) Most rollbars installed in these cars are just for looks -- they are not installed properly to the frame. An effective rollbar has to be installed very carefully.

I don't have a rollbar and I don't have shoulder harness, and I don't think I will invest in them.

No way around it: a small open car can be dangerous to your health! But, then, if you drive it gently, keep off major highways, remain on guard, and watch for the other driver, you are pribably as safe as in most other cars. This real danger doesn't stop us from driving them.

 

[71MKIV]

That look is the one my cat gave me right before it clawed my face off.

 

[TR4A_IRS]

(3) A shoulder harness will hold you upright, so your head is bound to be smashed if you go over. A lap belt at least gives you an chance to duck down.

Ed,

I have seen this sort of comment on here before, and I think it is a fallacy that a driver could actually duck down to avoid a head injury in the event of a rollover. If you see in-car footage of a rollover accident, you will see what I mean.

Additionally, a shoulder belt (either three or four point) will keep your torso away from the steering wheel, which is probably a more likely crash scenario than a roll over.

I support your right to choose whatever you want for safety gear. It is, after all, your body. I have chosen three point belts and a roll bar, so you can see where I am coming from...

 

[TR3driver]

Not quite the same, but I have seen the aftermath of an accident where the driver saved his life by ducking. 12" log came through the center of the windshield, took out the steering wheel and bent the driver's side B-post. All Dad got were scratches on his face & arms, from diving into the passenger's side floor.

I've also been in an accident where wearing a lap belt would likely have made my injuries worse. Mom got T-boned by a high school kid, hard enough that it threw our full-sized station wagon across the road and up into the yard on the other side. We later found grass inside the tires! The door came in and crushed the seat I was sitting on; all I got was a bruised shoulder from the door hitting it.

 

[Member 10617]

Ian,

You are right. I think the advantage of the harness is that it keeps you away from the steering wheel, as long as it is not a head-on that drives the steering column into.... well.. you know what I mean. A harness would also keep you from hitting your head on the windshield... but a helmet would also help.

My answer to all this is to drive very slowly (no more than 45 mph) on roads that are not heavily traveled, drive only in the daylight and on clear, dry days, keep my eyes open for other cars (and deer), and don't take any chances. When all is said and done, however, there is a risk....

All I can tell you is that I am 69, have been driving since I was 18, have driven Triumphs and Austin Healey Sprites and Jeeps... and have never had an accident. Even drove a '58 Triumph from Tucson, AZ, to upstate NY and back (110 mph across Oklahoma in front of a tornado). I hope my luck continues to hold... (If not... well it's been a good life... made even better by these cars...)

Don: GREAT CAT PHOTO! Almost fell out of my chair laughing.

 

[Scott_Hower]

When my son was little he used to wear a helmet when he drove with me. People would honk at us.

This style might work; Scorpion motorcycle helmet...

 

[Member 10617]

Scott: I suspect people weren't honking at the fact that your son was wearing a helmet!