There is a whole culture linked to riding a motorcycle. There are codes that motorcyclists often use – one of them is leaving the helmet on the road.
Some readers probably don’t know, but there is a whole culture associated with those who ride mota. A special bond, if you will.
In the midst of this very own world, there are even signs, specific codes among motorcyclists.
One of them is when a motorbike is stopped on the side of a road and a helmet on, often on the road itself. Right there, alone.
The begins by reassuring: no, in principle it wasn’t the helmet that came off the head (or worse). In principle, there was no serious accident.
Especially because most motorcycle helmets have internal layers of expanded polystyrene, or elastomeric polyurethane foam; precisely made to crush on impact in order to absorb the blow – so that it is not the skull that absorbs the blow.
But yes, a helmet on the ground is a sign of problems. This is a sign that the motorcyclist in question needs help, that there is some kind of danger.
Normally, this sign is synonymous with mechanical problems. But it can also be a sign of medical problems, injuries, or other problems.
Most car and truck drivers probably won’t recognize the sign as they pass the motorcycle.
But this is a common sign among motorcyclists. Several have already reported that they were helped by other motorcyclists within minutes, as they had placed their helmets on the ground.
It’s an unofficial rule, but widely recognized by those who ride motorcycles.
What should you do?
There is no single answer to this question. It depends a lot on the context and the person.
If you feel comfortable and capable, pare and see if you can help the motorcyclist. You can even give up tools or use ones that were already on the bike, or give up your cell phone, or give a ride.
But there are also associated dangers: it is a strange, you have no idea what is going on there. Not everyone feels comfortable stopping.
In these cases, if you don’t have the security to see what is happening and help, continue your trip but call the police, for example; or even 911 if you think you saw someone in need of medical help.
