Why do some farang not wear motorcycle helmets?

[sidthesloth]

Come on guys, you know better.

You know you don't look cool, just uncomfortable.

And if you're so depressed, there are far better ways to die.

[moater]

See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=44&t=28935

[Phyton]

When you arrive at Suvarnahbumi, before you reach Immigaration, there is a big bucket, labeled:

"Keep your Brain here we take care about it, to enjoy our sweet Thaigirls and feel free as a bird riding motorbikes without helmet on or save roads"

Everytime i passed this bucket, its full.

[HHCanuck]

Good sir the Farang you speak of are academics set on proving Charles Darwin's theory's plus they have great hair.

[sidthesloth]

See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=44&t=28935

That doesn't seem to be relevant. I'm not interested in why Thai youth think wearing a helmet is uncool (but wearing a 711 packet on the head in the rain is totally fine). I'm interested in the farang who know that a helmet can be the difference between a minor spill and permanent brain damage, and who know that bugs will painfully fly into your eyes without a visor causing a dangerous loss of vision and also your elegant comb-over will be blown to shit

Why do these guys (possibly you guys) do it? Why suffer like this? For what?

I can assure you, you are not impressing any girls.

[StevePIraq]

According to official statistics, 14,059 people were killed on Thai roads and highways in 2012, translating to a road-death rate of 36.2 people per 100,000, a rate only surpassed by war-torn Libya, where 73.4 people per 100,000 died that same year, according to the WHO's 2015 Global Status Report on Road Safety. the WHO reports 74% of fatalities on the road are motorcycle riders.

Draw your own conclusion

[Phyton]

Well, in 2006, it was the first time, we thought about renting a motorbike in Cha-Am. But before we rent, we buyed a helmet for my wife and me.

We never!!! ride one meter without helmet. Same we use seatbelts when we enter a car. For us it goes automatically to use this savety features. Why should i use in Germany these stuff? Because a fine? No i use because its more savety for me.

[Bluesky]

No foresight of consequence. Aware of two foreigners recently in hospital in HH on life support as a result of motorcycle collisions. One wasn't wearing a helmet, the other was, but did not secure it. Am given to understand he came off second best after hitting a bull on a backroad. Extremely sad for family, loved ones, and the gut wrenching decisions that have to be made regarding the continuance of life support/or future care.

[HHCanuck]

According to official statistics, 14,059 people were killed on Thai roads and highways in 2012, translating to a road-death rate of 36.2 people per 100,000, a rate only surpassed by war-torn Libya, where 73.4 people per 100,000 died that same year, according to the WHO's 2015 Global Status Report on Road Safety. the WHO reports 74% of fatalities on the road are motorcycle riders.

Draw your own conclusion

Its probably worse as I read a few years ago that Thailand only counts the death if they die at the scene or on the way to hospital. If the die while in the hospital it doesn't become part of the statistics.

I also remember during a Songkran under Thaksin he threatened police if the accidents were as bad as previous years. A accident near Sakeo province a truck rolled killing many people in the back. Apparently the the police put cause of death as a lightning strike. This was during Songkran when there isn't a cloud in the sky.

[HHTel]

24,237 were killed on the road in 2013 as opposed to 1,827 in the UK. Both countries have similar populations.

Farangs that don't wear helmets are mostly Americans (I think). Maybe because there are only around 20 states that have laws that make wearing of a helmet compulsory. There are some states that have no helmet laws at all. In contrast, I believe the majority of Europe have stricter laws. It's about education and common sense which is sadly lacking in this country.

[centermid7]

^ yer an idiot

Very few come here from North America and the % of Americans is even less. This is Scandi, Europa, and UK country.
They ride without helmets while in Thailand because they can do so AND get away with it as there is little enforcement or fines if they do encounter the police.

[RCer]

How many that are not wearing a helmet are riding real motorbikes, not scooters?

Real means clutch, shifter, throttle, and 2 brakes. Its not about power so cc isn't included.

[Big Boy]

Does it matter? The tarmac doesn't get any softer for those who can operate a gearbox whilst riding.

[RCer]

Does it matter? The tarmac doesn't get any softer for those who can operate a gearbox whilst riding.

My point is you'll likely find those who do wear a helmet in Thailand are not riding "real" motorbikes.

The scooters are seen as being the same as a car with an automatic transmission. Just get on and go. No thought required.

[Big Boy]

I see plenty riding real motorbikes without helmets - in fact I had one ride around a blind bend and straight under my front wheels a couple of months ago.

Thinking about it, maybe you've hit on something - his head was fine. Legs didn't look too pretty though