At 01:16 PM 15/09/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Here's my 2 cents on the subject.
Here's mine, also: Anyone who feels that an open faced helmet gives
adequate protection in any car, open or closed, either: A - has never
witnessed the stretch of typical belts and the flexability of a typical body
such that you can easily move forward far enough to "eat your steering
wheel" in otherwise moderate forward impacts. Or B - feels that you
shouldn't protect against predictable risks.
A friend racing a Mini at Mosport about five years ago impacted the outside
bank at 5A fairly hard and straight. He lost several teeth even though he
was wearing a full face helmet. Granted, the seat belt installation, though
it met the rules, was marginal, but in this case the steering wheel won!
Brian
>
>I started racing open wheel cars in driving school, so a closed helmet was a
>must. I now prefer this for enclosed cars as well, just for the extra
>protection it offers. If something came in through the windscreen, or you
>had a serious shunt, you may be grateful you have that extra protection in
>front of your face.
>
>I also ALWAYS wear a horsecollar as part of my driving suit. Again, its not
>as comfortable, but after seeing that slo-mo replay of the Alfa/Lotus
>incident at Palm Springs 2 years ago, it convinced me to dig it out and use
>it everytime I go out. A serious neck injury is perhaps our greatest risk
>out there. Think about it!!!
>
>Regards,
>Myles H. Kitchen
>Lotus Cortina Mk1 #128
>
|