Great post Sue. I live in Thailand and have taken many motorcycle taxis while in Bangkok. I live in near the mountains in the city of Chiang Mai and have my own bike here. Helmet is worn most of the time. :)
What 'they' don't tell you, is that when wearing a helmet, you lose a lot of your hearing as well as overall perception. Sometimes wearing a helmet can be more dangerous while moving at low to medium speeds. (at high speeds, yes--a helmet is best, me thinks.)
I would like to delve into this more; to find out if there are more injuries as a result of wearing a helmet, opposed to not wearing one. I think it makes more sense to wear a helmet as a passenger, than as a driver, at least in the city. Of course, this is not practical in many cases.
Remember those leather football helmets from the 50's? That would be something useful to carry around because it can be stowed and carried fairly easily. As a passenger, you'll always have a helmet.
It just wouldn't look very flattering, however. :)
Thanks for the post.
EDIT: Following...
I have never heard about the helmet lose of hearing but it does makes senses. I have never drove a motorcycle in my life and don't know how to.🙈 If I'm not mistaken, they are trying to regulate both driver and passenger to wear helmets. Are u planning to come back and live in Thailand again ? :)
Hi Suerisue, I have been living in Chiang Mai for the past four years. Have you been here before? If you haven't been, it's really nice here.