statistics suck, i seen opposing groups use the same numbers to both prove their points or agendas (politicians are a good example). i live in florida(northwest), i am a firm believer in freedom of choice whether its wearing a helmet or a seat belt,i don't like the government or a certain group of people telling me what i can and can't do,as long as i am not hurting them.is it safer? probably so,but let me as an adult, choose. when i had a sportster i did not wear a helmet but would not ride hardly anywhere on my Busa without one (but it has 3 or 4 times the performance too)anyways couldn't imagine what it would be like at 150 mph without one. i for one am glad florida gives us a choice. i have a good friend that has brain damage from not wearing a helmet(he hit his head on a stop sign with his head about 15-20 mph) but he was drunk and had 2 girls on the bike(sportster) would the helmet have helped yes,but sober and only one passenger it would not have happened. just my .00002 cents worth