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Wearing helmets 19-Nov-2005 At 11:46:35 PM 21Cmalaise

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On 16/11/2005 billk wrote:
>The theory of risk homeostasis states that an individual has an inbuilt target level of >acceptable risk which does not change. This level varies between individuals. When >the level of acceptable risk in one part of the individual's life changes; there will be a >corresponding rise/drop in acceptable risk elsewhere. The same, argues Wilde, is true >of larger human systems (e.g. a population of drivers).

Fair enough, however:

"The only specific field accident data offered in the literature to support the risk homeostasis theory are found to, in fact, refute the theory. The accident data provide evidence that a rich variety of user responses occur. While it is possible for users to collectively respond in such a way that safety benefits are completely cancelled, such a response is not particularly common; it is certainly not universally occurring, as suggested by the risk homeostasis theory. It is concluded that the risk homeostasis theory should be rejected because there is no convincing evidence supporting it and much evidence refuting it."

Still, whether it's true or not it was very interesting reading. Gives you something to think about - basically you're buggered if you do and buggered if you don't.

I still maintain that when I wear my helmet I do not take extra risks - in fact I reckon it makes me more aware of my mortality, what with me smashing it into rocks all the time, getting it wedged in cracks, feeling really unbalanced and not being able to see properly! Damn - no wonder I don't wear it that much - maybe it's time to get a new one!