legal to drive with a helmet on public roads? | FerrariChat

legal to drive with a helmet on public roads?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by VisualHomage, Jun 28, 2010.

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  1. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    I'm considering wearing a neck brace and helmet while driving as I've been in too many accidents that were not my fault, totaling my car in every case, one just recently. Is this legal? I would assume yes as it enhances safety.

    If F1 drivers can see and react in milliseconds under extreme driving conditions I'd assume the commuter traffic environment would be well-adapted to helmeted driving. Thoughts?
     
  2. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    You might look a little funny, but I really don't think anyone would care.... could save your life I suppose.

    Perhaps a life jacket too, if you drive near water... :)


    Jedi
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2010
  3. robert_c

    robert_c F1 Rookie

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    The guys driving the Ariel Atoms wear helmets. If that helps.
     
  4. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

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    this has got to be a state-dependent thing. i'd be surprised if it's illegal anywhere, however it's definitely not going to be safer, as your peripheral vision will be compromised.
     
  5. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

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    and in any of those accidents, did you ever suffer a head injury?
     
  6. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    whiplash

    and you never know how bad it may be; I'm even thinking, too, of the next car having a full roll cage welded in, with x-bars on the door openings.
     
  7. F430GB

    F430GB F1 Veteran

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    I remember a pic of a guy in SoCal driving a Murcielago Roadster with a fighter pilot helmet on...

    -G.B.
     
  8. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    LOL
     
  9. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

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    Where can you get one of those helmets with the lightning bolts stick out of the top?
     
  10. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

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    Same could be said for motorcyclists that choose to wear helmets...

    I've thought of that as well and imo it would look funny, but if the rest of your car is speced nicely (roll cage, airbags removed, etc) it would make more sense. If I saw someone in an Escalade with that I would be lmao.
     
  11. 430rcks

    430rcks F1 Rookie

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    Lmao! :p
     
  12. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

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    helmet would not have protected you. i know you're going to say "neck brace" but those things are just for comfort and offer no protection whatsoever.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2010
  13. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

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    not even close. i won't even bother to present the argument, it's so obvious.
     
  14. mousecatcher

    mousecatcher Formula 3

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    i believe that is illegal in most states. i know montana it is OK.
     
  15. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    The Hans device is useless?
     
  16. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

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    Are F1 drivers all compromised in their peripheral vision then? I don't race F1 so I don't know; it's just a question to anyone. You'd think that under more extreme driving conditions that the safety measures would not impair driver vision whatsoever as they must react 100X faster than under commuter traffic.
     
  17. 430rcks

    430rcks F1 Rookie

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    I wouldn't even think twice without riding my bike with no helmet.
     
  18. Extreme

    Extreme F1 Rookie

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    ok! I might be new to this forum... But is this question even real? I agree that driving in daily commuter traffic can be a dangerous task. But a helmet? Please tell me this is an attempt at giving someone such as myself a good laugh...
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2010
  19. MaranelloDave

    MaranelloDave Formula 3

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    Absolutely. You may survive an accident better . . . but your more likely to get into one. If you are serious about this, you need to think about how you're going to do all the things that a race car driver doesn't need to do, like turn around while backing up. With a helmet and a Hans, your peripheral vision and head mobility will be significantly impaired.
     
  20. Fred2

    Fred2 F1 World Champ Silver Subscribed

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    Did you check the OP's profile?
     
  21. blackbolt22

    blackbolt22 F1 Veteran Silver Subscribed

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    I would think it would be legal but a full face helmet may be out. I think it is illegal to conceal your face in public in most states.
     
  22. MaranelloDave

    MaranelloDave Formula 3

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    . . . unless you're really, really ugly. In such a case, it's actually encouraged.
     
  23. b-mak

    b-mak F1 Veteran

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    LMAO! A neck brace!
     
  24. TZ 750

    TZ 750 Formula Junior

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    There are a lot of drawbacks, as mentioned above,
    with wearinbg a helmet in day-to-day driving,
    as with the HANS device.

    I investigate motorcycle accidents for a living (37 years now....),
    and have found that - on balance - wearing a helmet
    is advised for saving lives on bikes.

    Interestingly, more lives could be saved by
    CAR drivers wearing helmets, since more
    car drivers die of head injuries than do bike riders.

    A higher percentage of car drivers die
    of head injury than do bike riders.

    Maybe soon helmets for
    car drivers will be required ?

    Go figure...



    Scott
     
  25. VGM911

    VGM911 Formula 3

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    If this is a serious question, why not check with officials in your home state?
     

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