I read some where that one of the US anti crash helmet brigade died of head injuries on his way to a rally to protest about wearing crash helmets..
Indeed just as many others have died regardless of wearing a helmet, wearing a helmet undoubtedly saves some lives, however the safer you feel, the more risks you take, I often find myself going much faster than I intend to because with a full face helmet on you don get any wind or sensation of speed, with an open face I don't get above 80 and on the trims without a helmet I'm more than happy to keep to a steady 50...
As for comparing it to the helmet law, I dot agreed with that law either, it's a riders choice, you're hurting no one else by smashing your own head in, given the choice (on the trike, no helmet is required) I still wear a helmet. Its the principal of being told what you have to wear. If they de used model boating was dangerous, standing close to the lake and leaning over to put your model in, so they say ts the law you must wear a lifejacket would you all just say 'it's for my safety' and go out and buy 1 or would you want the choice?