Motorcyclists are always evaluating the use of motorcycle helmets. Is this simply a matter of preference or are there significant issues to be considered?

A friend of mine (Bill) has chosen to ride with a helmet, or at times without a motorcycle helmet. He says it depends upon riding conditions for him. One day he was on a two lane road, traveling about 50mph when a tractor trailer truck pulled out from the right side of the street to go the same direction. His thought was to maintain his speed and simply pass the truck. [Which, most likely could be done.] Unfortunately the truck driver did not have enough room for the turn, and stopped dead still, crossing both lanes. Bill was now approaching the truck too fast and too close to stop safely. He tried breaking hard but immediately knew he was facing the side of the trailer head-on. With quick thinking he laid his Harley on the side and slid under the trailer and on down the road a couple hundred feet. Relaying his story to me, he was flat on his back, feet first, with his arms spread out and his head bopping on the highway. When all was finished he gave credit to God for helping him and praised his destroyed helmet for saving his life. [Plus, the leather jacket and gloves that had taken the tears in place of him.] My friend only suffered from some sore muscles and hurt pride. But, it brings up the subject of helmet safety.

In the KSL-TV News of South Jordan, the Police Chief (Dan Pearson) is likewise teaching people that helmets save lives, after losing three friends to motorcycle accidents in two years. All three suffered from head injuries and none were wearing motorcycle helmets. Then, the police chief himself was involved in an accident on highway 89 North of Afton, Wyoming. A truck towing a horse trailer had passed him and pulled in front of him, hitting the front of his motorcycle with the spare tire mounted on the back. Dan was thrown off his bike, landing headfirst. He says, “This injury would have been a fatal blow if I hadn’t had the helmet on.” Dan suffered from bruises and a few broken bones.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists survive a crash and receive less serious injuries when wearing a helmet. They report that at least 600 people are saved each year.

One question that is asked, “motorcycle helmets might protect your brain but can it increase your chances of a broken neck?” Dr. Michael Yorgason, a surgeon at Montana Orthopedics and Sport Medicine, states that the findings from medical literature shows: “autopsy studies done after fatal motorcycle accidents have shown that neck injuries and fractures are equally likely, whether you are wearing a helmet or not.” Yet, most medical reports support the use of motorcycle helmets. They believe that the helmet generally decreases the risk of head and brain injury significantly and surmise that wearing them does not increase your risk of neck injury.

An Italian study concluded that a helmet decreased injury by 66%. A Thailand study found that after making helmets mandatory, head injuries decreased by 41% in 2 years. Now, in Kentucky, a study revealed that brain injury increased by 4.3 times when not wearing a helmet.

In an article written by Jonathan P. Goldstein, PhD., titled “The Effects of Motorcycle Helmet Use on the Probability of Fatality and the Severity of Head and Neck Injuries.” He concludes that there are a number of variables in a study that puts the study in question. Major differences are held concerning helmet use or non-helmet use. Normal results compare death and injury rates are two and three times greater for non-helmet riders and increases in occurrence rates in repeal years that vary from 19% to 63%. On one side: the helmet verses the non-helmet study fails to consider these two classes of riders. Stating that helmet riders are more cautious by nature. One, they drive slower, thus have slower speeds in crash situations. Two, they are less likely to have an accident. Three, helmet wearers are less likely to drink and drive (alcohol or use of drugs). These behavior changes dramatically reduce a riders risk.

On-the-other-hand, factors to consider are: 1-average age of the biker 2-average miles driven each year, per biker 3-average experience of the biker 4-the size of the motorcycle driven. So, between the size of the bike, potential speed, age, risk taking and alcohol ingestion; simply, cannot realistically prove the effectiveness of helmet use. The Goldstein study did approach these variables in question. They reported a study that evaluates the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in accident situations. The conclusions are: 1-Motorcycle helmets have no statistically significant effect on the probability of fatality. 2- Helmets reduce the severity of head injuries. 3-Past a critical impact speed of 13 mph, helmets increased the severity of neck injuries. The report then concluded that helmet users face a trade-off between reductions in the severity of head injuries and increases in the severity of neck injuries.

Under these circumstances a mandatory helmet use law cannot be reasoned to be an effective method to stop an individuals death or injury when involved in an accident.

Perhaps other choices need to be considered in providing safety in motorcycle use. Here are three suggestions. One, educate the general driving public (car and truck drivers) in road use with motorcycles. Two, educate inexperienced motorcyclists on accident avoidance (evasive action) and the proper use of these powerful machines. Three, create a strict enforcement of drunk driving laws. [Some studies show that alcohol consumption is the major factor in deaths and injury.]

Harley-Davidson offers basic and advanced training to 200+ dealerships in 30 states. Honda has four training centers. BMW is considering advanced training but says they tend to attract seasoned riders.

It is believed that training cuts panic. You need to know how to negotiate a curve and resist the urge to brake, etc.

Here are some other factors that need to be considered. Tires should be inflated to the proper level. A riders visibility to be seen. Tests have shown that the plain white motorcycle helmets are the easiest to be seen. Clothing makes a difference between day/night.

For night riding there are reflective vests and lighted vests available. There is GLO GLOV; reflective tape for clothing and cycle; reflective vests and coats. Now back to helmets.

USA Today carried the statistic from the National Highway Traffic Saftey Administration, reporting that 24% of the fatal crashes in 2003 involved unlicensed motorcyclists, and that car drivers are responsible in about two-thirds of motorcycle fatalities. US DOT findings discovered that following the Helmet Law Repeal in Texas and Arkansas from Aug/Sept of 1997 to May 1998, helmet use dropped to 52% in Arkansas and to 66% in Texas. In Arkansas motorcycle fatalities rose 21% following the repeal and head injuries increased 18.5%. Texas fatalities rose 31%.

One court case in California disputed what standards were set for qualifying a helmet as “safe”. For a list of the US Government “Compliance Testing of Motorcycle Helmets” you can check to see if your helmet passed or failed. Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

When I am on my motorcycle, I know what I am doing. I don’t know what the other driver is doing. So, with the many facets of helmet use and considering the pro/cons, I choose to wear a helmet. You will have to decide for yourself!

For those of us who love motorcycles and off road sports we know that having the power at your wrist is paramount to getting out of a tricky situation. But we also realize there are limits to the ability of the vehicle to rapidly accelerate. It seems that perhaps there should be a way to accelerate more rapidly when needed on ATVs or all-terrain vehicles and this would make them more exhilarating and fun.

And consider if you will for a moment the potential eventuality of combat forces using ATVs in the desert against the enemy to rapidly advance on their positions. If the ATV warning system warns you that your enemy is locked on you and is firing, well wouldn’t it be nice to hyperspace a little and instantly get out of the gun sight?

Indeed, that makes sense and I believe there is a way to help increase the speed using standard racing gear; that is to say Nitrous Oxide and a little something extra. How so you ask? Well what if we have a way to fire a laser into the cylinder and superheat the engine to its upper limits while forcing pressurized nitrous oxide into the chamber? This would literally make the ATV a rocket ship for short bursts of acceleration or just enough to dodge the bullet and live to fight another day.

As the United States Army launches its future fighting force initiatives and uses multiple types of new battlefield hardware like super high-tech ATVs why not go all out to win? Consider this in 2006.

Frederick Richard Simms and Charles Harrington Moore formed the RAC back in 1897, although at that point it was called the Automobile Club Of Great Briton. It was loosely based on the French version the Automobile Club de France, by copying their constitution. In those days, I would imaging even the most optimistic motorist could not image how the motorcar would change everyone’s lives. By 1901 it had already started to employ the first uniformed patrolmen in Great Briton.

In 1907 the Automobile Club of Great Briton got Royal approval and then became the Royal Automobile Club or the RAC as it became popularly known as.

For many generations the RAC has been at the forefront of motoring, initially as patrolmen offering breakdown cover, to more modern times when all aspects of motoring are taken care of.

In 1926, it organised the first British Grand Prix at Brooklands and by 1932, the RAC started a long relationship with motor sport in particular Rallying. In 1932, the RAC held its first RAC Rally. It covered over 1000 miles, although drivers all started from different points all heading to a finish at Torquay on the south coast of the UK. There were 367 entries of which finished 259 with an average speed of 25mph. By 1960 the starting point was Blackpool and the finishing point was Brands Hatch, covering over 2000 miles. Then in 1961, the forestry stages were introduced where high speeds could be achieved and where rallies were now won or lost and became the basis of how we understand rallying now. This was to expand to more recent times with the Network Q rally covering the whole of the UK as part of the World Series. It is now known as the Wales Rally GB. Unfortunately you no longer see the RAC sponsorship.

There are many collectors and classic car enthusiasts who collect memorabilia from their early days. You often see a classic car with an old metal RAC badge on their grill, some take it more seriously and collect old RAC telephone boxes and motorcycles. This is of course is from their breakdown cover days, with motorcycle patrols and vans. Now everything is more technical, with major developments in communication and engineering.

By the 1970’s the RAC started to hit hard times and then by 1999 the breakdown recovery and other services were bought out totally by Aviva and are now called RAC services. However what I did not know until recently is that the Royal Automobile Club still survives. It may not offer any uniformed patrols anymore but is still a motoring club and is based at Pall Mall in central London and at Woodcote Park, Epsom, Surrey,

It’s a shame that RAC Services is pretty much an insurance organisation now and no longer is associated with a the history of motor sport and although publishes it opinions, can no longer can associate itself with the Royal Automobile Club as we know it. But it is good news that the Royal Automobile Club still survives and was not totally destroyed through bad times and still is connected with historical racing and events throughout the UK. Long may they stay!

If you are one who loves motorcycles you might consider starting a small business that has to do with motorcycle detailing. You can run this business from your home and put all the equipment you need inside of a trailer, a van or the back of a pickup truck and then travel to the customer’s home or business to detailer their motorcycles.

It is amazing how much people will pay you to detailer motorcycles. Many people have invested 20 and $30,000 in their Harley Davidson's. The best way to get motorcycle detailing customers is to go down to the local Harley Davidson shop and asked them if you could put a few flyers on their counter and ask the person in the motorcycle shop if they will spread your name around. If you do a good job they will continue to refer you and so will the people whose motorcycles you have detailed.

Sometimes Harley Davidson dealers take in trades and they might call you to detail those trade-ins so they can put them inside the showroom. Detailing high-end motorcycles can be there are rewarded and you could meet some really exceptional people. You would be surprised how many wealthy individuals, business owners and entertainers ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

I have been in the auto detailing business for over 27 years, I am not want to drop names, but let's just say that I have got to work for some very influential people in this country and some of the top stars too. If you love motorcycles and want to start a business of your own, then maybe you should consider motorcycle detailing as your next venture.

Storage Barns are alternatives to daily storage problems. For example, if the garage is full of lawn equipment, holiday decorations and miscellaneous items, then the storage barn is a good alternative. Storage barns are also good alternatives to the attic, which may be so full of stuff that the ceilings start to sag. Hence, a stylish storage shed, garden shed or backyard barn is just the space-expanding solution for everything from mowers to motorcycles, and can be additionally used as a playhouse, hobby hut or a private getaway, or for storing the RV, boat, car, farm equipment and much more.

There are different models available for storage solutions. An A-Model has a 4:12 roof pitch ideal for steel garages and workshops in high-snow areas, and is up to 40' wide with unlimited lengths.

The Q-Model design, in sizes from 20' to 100' wide and a variety of lengths, suits many applications: grain and livestock storage, backyard workshops, boat and automobile storage, retail outlets, distribution centers and airplane hangars. It uses no poles, beams or obstructions.

The S-Model, ranging in sizes from 16' to 50' wide with unlimited lengths, is great for warehouses, distribution centers, storage sheds, and more. It has high sidewall clearance for maximum vertical storage and a column-free interior for maximum floor space.

The P-Model is perfect for a backyard garage or workshop, a single or multiple car garage or an equipment shelter. P-Models range in size from 14' to 30' wide, with unlimited lengths.

One of three materials is usually used for making storage barns and garden sheds:

Metal –In galvanized steel or aluminum, with a tough, baked enamel.

Vinyl – With double wall vinyl panels to resist dents, and a snug fit.

Wood- Wooden barns offer a traditional look to match any setting.

Consumers in the market for a new motorcycle may want to consider the reverse auction process as a means to pick up a new or used motorcycle. You probably have made the rounds to the local motorcycle shops and priced out the motorcycle that you are hoping to purchase. The prices for motorcycles as with many products are often directly proportional to the amount of competition there is and a vendor with no competition is just not motivated to lower the price. That's were reverse motorcycle auctions may be able to help you obtain the best price available.

Motorcycle auctions of this type work in reverse of the normal auction. Basically, as a buyer, you list the motorcycle that you wish to purchase, complete with model number and all specifications that you are interested in. Vendors of motorcycles respond with their best prices and if there are a number of vendors they will bid down the price in order to obtain your business. As a buyer, you will quickly be able to understand if these prices that are being bid during the motorcycle auction are better than what you may have found during your trips to the motorcycle shops.

Using a motorcycle auction of this type is a great way to make your purchase. Not only will you receive the best price available based on real competition, you can do all of this from the comfort of your home. Using your computer you can list your motorcycle auction request and then sit back and relax while the vendors bid on your auction request. Completing the sale and purchase of your new motorcycle is simple and straightforward as well. Once the auction is completed, get in touch with the winning vendor to make arrangements for completion of the sale and delivery of your new motorcycle.

One of the best things about having a hobby is buying everything you need and even some things that you don't! If you are into cars or motorcycles, chances are you spend a lot of extra money on accessories, don't you? Cooking, exercising, camping, gardening, hiking, - you name it, there are accessories for every amusement under the sun!

Knitting is no different. Gadgets abound, and you can get lost in a sea of extras. They all look good, but what is necessary, and what can you leave for another time? Let me tell you about some of the knitting gadgets that are available to knitters, and then I will tell you my top *6* favorite knitting gadgets.

Needles and yarn aside, if you look around there are numerous knitting gadgets. There are stitch markers, used for marking a particular place in your knitting where decreases or increases take place; row counters which keep track of each row as you are knitting; point protectors which are placed on the needle points to protect your work as well as yourself; bobbins, pom-pom makers, stitch gauges, graph paper, yarn swifts and ball winders, which can be useful for certain advanced knitting projects, but will probably spend more time collecting dust for most knitters.

So that is why now we come to my top *6* favorite knitting gadgets,

and why I like them so:

#1 – Tape measure - for knitting, as for sewing, your tape measure will prove to be indispensable. Whatever the project, you always have need to know the length and width of your knitting. Make sure if your tape measure wears out or becomes distorted in any way, that you replace it. This item helps to make you look good!

#2 – Scissors - I like the small variety, especially the ones that fold up. They are handy to take anywhere (well, almost anywhere), and you can expect to use them frequently. But, if you have larger scissors, they work, too. I would not recommend pinking shears, though; they are for sewing projects only.

#3 – Cable needles - as you become more adept at knitting, one of the easiest new stitches to add on is the cable stitch. Cable stitches can be knitted in many variations, but they always need the cable needle in order to utilize the stitch. Cable needles come in various sizes, and are always pointed at both ends. Some have a "bend" in them, and some are "U" shaped, while most are simply straight. They are also shorter than a traditional, straight, knitting needle. So if a pattern calls for cable stitches, better have some cable needles around!

#4 – Stitch holders - these look like giant safety pins. They are especially handy when knitting sweaters and you need to place the neck stitches someplace until you need them again, so on to the stitch holder they go! Stitch holders can be very small (2" or so) up to about 10" in length. There are many varieties, but stay with the simple versions, for best results.

#5 – Yarn needle - aka a tapestry needle. These needles are longer than regular sewing needles, and have blunter points and larger eyes. They are used to join your patterns together when finished. For any knitter, they are a must-have.

#6 – Pins - last but not least, pins! Anyone who sews or knits, needs pins; straight pins, safety pins, T- pins. When you buy straight pins, make sure they have colored tops; these are easiest to see in your knitting. T- pins are great for blocking your patterns, and also good for pinning heavier knits together. Safety pins always make a great substitute for stitch holders, or to mark a spot in your knitting that you need to refer to later on.

So, there you have it! Six gadgets I can't live without when I knit. If you are very serious about knitting, and like to see your project look its best when finished, then these *6* wonderful knitting gadgets should always be close by.

Is your pet's world truly safe? Pet Safety Lights are designed for all pets with owners who care.

Responsible and caring pet owners are bound to appreciate the extra protection provided for their pets during evening walks and nighttime runs. The PET Blinkie allows the owner and others i.e. drivers, etc. - to see your pet from greater distances, therefore assuring additional stopping and swerving time. Many pets are accidentally injured and killed by vehicles, motorcycles, skateboards and bicycles. Now you can minimize or prevented this with the new Pet Blinke Illuminated Dog Collars.

If you love your pet, you will love the Pet Blinkie. Pet Blinkie is vibrant, multi-color lights that attach easily to a collar, leash or harness. Pet Blinkie is waterproof and visible up to 1/2 mile away. Available in seven blinking, vibrant colors.

Responsible and caring pet owners are bound to appreciate the extra protection provided for their pets during evening walks and nighttime runs. The smallest, lightest and brightest flasher we have tested. It uses LEDs rather than bulbs to flash various colors. The stainless steel Pet Blinker is only 2.25 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. Water resistant and visible up to 1/2 mile away. The Pet Blinke will cause those around you to take notice. This is a very wild and powerful light! Runs on three included watch batteries, which can be replaced. Turn the lens to turn it on and off.