My Favorite Safety Helmet Excuses
There are a lot of great excuses used by inline skaters and other athletes who think they shouldn’t wear a safety helmet. But there is no excuse that is really good enough. The best, most advanced skate technology used by a high level pro skater can still cause serious injuries if an unexpected obstacle or situation arises. An unseen pothole, that crazy dog, the attack wasp or even wet leaves can create safety issues for the best skater.
A helmet does not protect everything, but it will help protect your brain – and it is irreplaceable.
These are some of the good excuses that pop up on the road or the trail. But, I am sure this list will appear to be incomplete to any of you who spend a significant amount of time supporting this anti-helmet movement. Please feel free to email anything that was overlooked for review and rebuttal.
1. My heel brake is new and I know how to do a t-stop and snow plow as backup.
Emergency stopping techniques are useful skills to learn, but they aren't guaranteed to be effective, and they don't replace a helmet if you take a fall.
2. I can’t find a helmet that fits my head.
There are at least 15 different helmet manufacturers with a variety of models. Even Herman Munster can find one that fits.
3. It will mess up my hair.
Few remove a helmet and look like a skater with wind-blown locks from a hair care commercial. Most skaters have helmet hair. Join your peers. Whether your hair is real of an add-on, you can style it again any time you want.
A trip to the hair salon or barber is cheaper than an expensive traumatic brain injury. It's nice to see an attractive face in the mirror, too.
4. It doesn't match my skating outfit.
Get out of town. Helmet designs have jumped into the 21st century. They used to just come in sizes, but now they come in shapes, colors, patterns, textures and even have animal and food themes. Match your helmet to your skate color and you will always be fashion forward. Visit the roller derby sites if you need inspiration.
5. Helmets are expensive.
The cost of a helmet is low compared to a hospital visit or long-term care.
6. My helmet is too hot.
You are going to sweat anyway. Just make sure you hydrate by drinking water and other fluids. Get a hydration pack and that bladder will become your best skating friend. When it comes to bladders, size does matter. If you are hydration system shopping, remember to get the right size pack for your activity.
7. It's my head, and I'm willing to take the risk.
But it's other folks tax money that will help pay for your disability benefits.
8. I can’t hear with the helmet on.
Sure you can. You can't hear because your iPod ear buds are plugged into your ears and the music is too loud.
9. It makes my hair smell bad.
You must wash your helmet at least as often as you clean your bearings.
10. Helmets are itchy, uncomfortable and give me headaches.
Do not avoid using a helmet. Just find one that fits. Make sure the headache isn't from dehydration. Try lots of helmets on before you purchase one. Talk to other skaters. If you check around, you will find a helmet that is comfy and safe.
11. I'm a good skater, and I am not going to fall on my head.
No skater ever plans on life's little surprizes, animals, equipment failure, slippery spots, rocks, cracks or crevices. Plan on having a perfect skate and keep it perfect with safety gear. Please don't use any of these excuses and do use an approved inline skating helmet every time you skate.
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