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When David Hollister introduced a seat belt bill in Michigan in the early 1980s that imposed a fine for not buckling up, the state representative received hate mail comparing him to Hitler. At the time, only 14 percent of Americans regularly wore seat belts, even though the federal government required lap and shoulder belts in all new cars starting in 1968.

Drivers and passengers were arguing that seat belts were uncomfortable and restrictive, but the uproar was mostly ideological.

Similarly, growing up in Northern Europe in the 1990s, I constantly heard kids on my block say that only stupid dorks wore helmets when riding their bikes. "What, can't you drive?", they'd ask, preparing a heavy barrage of insults.

But just like seat belts, this gear is often the deciding factor that separates life and death. To remind you that putting on a helmet is the smartest thing you can do, we at Bored Panda compiled a list of scary accidents that could've been much worse if it wasn't for them.

Continue scrolling to check out the pics, and if you need more proof, fire up our earlier publication on the topic here.

#1

The Soldier Receives His Mounted Helmet That Took A 7.62 Round At 20 Feet While Wearing It

The Soldier Receives His Mounted Helmet That Took A 7.62 Round At 20 Feet While Wearing It

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#2

Another Reason To Wear A Helmet

Another Reason To Wear A Helmet

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Bubs623
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, this one makes me want to run. I cannot imagine where ELSE those bugs have splatted and landed on the rider....

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"It's uncomfortable and hot." "It messes up my hair." "It isn't cool." "I'm only going a short distance." "I'm not going to fall, so I don't need one."

These are just a few of the reasons people name for not wearing a helmet while roller skating, riding a bicycle, scooter o,r motorcycle, or engaging in other potentially risky outdoor activities. 

But Nicole Boniquit Levy, MD, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Rush University Medical Center, said there are no valid excuses for not strapping on this vital piece of protective gear.

#3

German-Supplied Helmet Stopped A Ricochet 7.62x54mm Bullet Used By Various Russian Weapons - Not All Donated Equipment Is Junk, Even If It's Old By Modern Nato Standards

German-Supplied Helmet Stopped A Ricochet 7.62x54mm Bullet Used By Various Russian Weapons - Not All Donated Equipment Is Junk, Even If It's Old By Modern Nato Standards

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#4

Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet

Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet

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Jacey Lea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll never understand why people don't wear helmets when riding motorcycles. They clearly save lives.

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#5

Helmet Donated From Community Non-Profit Saved TDF Member From Sniper Shot

Helmet Donated From Community Non-Profit Saved TDF Member From Sniper Shot

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Trauma to the brain can occur as a result of an impact, which can cause a concussion or open skull fracture, or a jarring motion, such as a quick turn or sudden stop.

Even seemingly mild head injuries, where you don't even lose consciousness, can cause permanent behavioral and cognitive problems, such as memory loss, inability to concentrate, sleep disorders, and, in some cases, permanent disability or death.

#6

Parents, Please Make Sure Your Children Wear Helmets! They Do Work

Parents, Please Make Sure Your Children Wear Helmets! They Do Work

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Laura Isabel
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Son just got his new bike for his 7th BD and guess who's getting a new helmet for him tomorrow morning?!?! He can't ride it until we get him one... My God... Edit: I need to remember it's bike... NOT hike! Hehehe...

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#8

Always Wear A Helmet

Always Wear A Helmet

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v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a video a few years ago in which some guys were messing around on their motorcycles in a parking lot, maybe 5-10 MPH. None were wearing helmets. One of them hit something that caused him to lose his balance and the way he went down his head was basically like the end of a whip and when his head hit the ground he was instantly dead. A helmet would have saved his life.

Nimues Child
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They...they posted the death video of their friend? Was it to encourage others to wear helmets?

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David Brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was hit sitting still at a stoplight and the back of my helmet hit the hood of the truck so hard it left a perfect dent where my head bounced off. My helmet split open and I was perfectly fine other than a nasty headache. That helmet is in a display case in my garage. It's a reminder of what could have happened if I had chosen not to wear it that day.

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#9

The Guy Wearing This Survived (Wear Your Helmet On Your Motorcycle, Kids)

The Guy Wearing This Survived (Wear Your Helmet On Your Motorcycle, Kids)

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Regal Kitten
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What did you hit that bent it like that? Also, how much of a headache did you have when you woke up?

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There are different helmets for different activities, and each type of helmet is designed to protect your head from the impact common to a particular activity or sport.

You should always wear a helmet that is appropriate for the activity you're involved in because other types of helmets may not protect you equally well.

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"Some helmets can be worn for multiple activities, but don't assume," Levy said. "Check the manufacturer's instructions for guidelines before buying a helmet."

#10

Kevlar Helmet Of An Orlando Police Officer Who Was Hit In Today's Shooting

Kevlar Helmet Of An Orlando Police Officer Who Was Hit In Today's Shooting

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#11

This Helmet Saved A 5-1/2 Year Old Involved In A Collision Saturday From A Significant Brain Injury Or Worse. Helmets Are Good

This Helmet Saved A 5-1/2 Year Old Involved In A Collision Saturday From A Significant Brain Injury Or Worse. Helmets Are Good

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#12

This Is Why You Should Wear Helmets. The Helmet Took The Hit And I Am Okay. Live To Ski Another Day

This Is Why You Should Wear Helmets. The Helmet Took The Hit And I Am Okay. Live To Ski Another Day

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#13

Can Anyone Tell Me Why Anything Other Than Full Face Helmets Are A Good Idea?

Can Anyone Tell Me Why Anything Other Than Full Face Helmets Are A Good Idea?

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Chich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a full face helmet. Rode with a friend who had to have a "cool" beanie helmet. We hit a swarm of bugs. All I had to do was clean of my face screen :P

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To ensure optimal protection, your helmet should:

  • Feel comfortable but snug;
  • Sit evenly on your head (not be tilted back on the top of the head or pulled too low over your forehead);
  • Not move in any direction, back to front or side to side;
  • Have a secure buckle to keep it from moving or falling off on either a first or second impact. So if you are riding your bike and collide with something (first impact), the helmet will still be firmly in place if you then fall onto the pavement (second impact);
  • Be easy to adjust and fit properly without a lot of adjustments. And once adjustments have been made, they should stay put.
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#14

Guy Survives Round To The Head Thanks To A Kevlar Helmet

Guy Survives Round To The Head Thanks To A Kevlar Helmet

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#15

Motorcycle Helmet Post Crash

Motorcycle Helmet Post Crash

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#16

Romain Grosjean Showed How His Helmet Turned Out After The Accident In Bahrain

Romain Grosjean Showed How His Helmet Turned Out After The Accident In Bahrain

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#17

Cyclist Arrived In ED With This Helmet - Surprisingly Fine. Imagine His Skull Without A Helmet

Cyclist Arrived In ED With This Helmet - Surprisingly Fine. Imagine His Skull Without A Helmet

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ComfyPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had he not been wearing this...I don't think there would've been a skull left by the looks of that helmet.

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According to Levy, it can be especially challenging getting kids to always wear a helmet, so it's up to parents to set hard and fast rules.

"Be consistent and firm," she said. "Don't negotiate. Don't compromise. Don't give them a choice: Either they wear the helmet or they don't ride their bike, scooter, etc. That way, they know you take it seriously they make it a habit."

Parents should also lead by example and always wear their helmets.

#18

Two Years Ago Today, This Dot Certified Helmet Absorbed A 50mph Impact And Saved My Life

Two Years Ago Today, This Dot Certified Helmet Absorbed A 50mph Impact And Saved My Life

On this day two years ago, this DOT-certified helmet saved my life. It successfully absorbed the majority of a 50mph impact on pavement. There is an indent on the front left that would have surely been a fractured skull without it, and numerous scrapes around the top and chin that would have left me maimed if it did not stay on my head throughout the entirety of the crash. Fortunately, my mind and body are working properly today because of this life-saving equipment.
 
If you are a rider, I encourage you to own and wear one of these every time you ride. I recommend one with a face shield or guard. If you know someone who rides, please encourage them to wear one.

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys, why the downvotes for Linda? They haven't said anything bad. If they're religious, they can praise their God for saving other's lives. I'm not religious myself, but I don't agree with downvotes for it. Also, downvotes are really only for spam/mean comments, cause they can get the account banned.

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#19

Here Is The Helmet Of A Guy Who Went Head-First Into The Base Of A Lift Tower And Walked Away With A Minor Concussion. Wear A Helmet

Here Is The Helmet Of A Guy Who Went Head-First Into The Base Of A Lift Tower And Walked Away With A Minor Concussion. Wear A Helmet

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Vector
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

jesus christ he would have died without that helmet- no questions asked

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#20

Is Your Life Worth More Than $40?

Is Your Life Worth More Than $40?

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When it comes to the helmets themselves, while it's OK to purchase your child's clothes in a size larger than he or she wears, the same is not true of helmets; helmets should fit perfectly when you purchase them.

Test your children's sizing by having them try on a variety of helmets. When fastened and tightened, the helmet should not move from side to side or front to back, and your child's forehead should be properly covered to keep it protected.

Helmets for children or toddlers should also have a buckle that holds firm in a crash but releases after five seconds of steady pull to avoid potential strangulation. A child's helmet will usually fit for several years, and most models have removable fitting pads that can be replaced with thinner ones as the child's head grows.

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#22

Will Always Wear A Helmet From Now On

Will Always Wear A Helmet From Now On

Was biking on the 4th of July and people were setting off fireworks. The next thing I know I hear a massive explosion in my ear and my head feels hot. Turns out a pretty big firework somehow went off right above my head. Had minor hearing loss for a day.

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#23

There Were A Few Bugs On My Ride Tonight

There Were A Few Bugs On My Ride Tonight

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Those guidelines apply to children who are at least 1 year old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 1 year of age should not be on bicycles at all.

"It's simply not safe to take a baby on a bicycle," Levy highlighted. "Babies haven't developed sufficient bone mass and muscle tone to enable them to sit unsupported with their backs straight. And, just as important, their necks aren't strong enough to support the weight of even the lightest helmets. So even though baby-sized helmets are available, they are not advisable."

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#25

Just A Friendly Reminder To Wear A Helmet. Better The Helmet Crack Open Than My Skull Is How I See It

Just A Friendly Reminder To Wear A Helmet. Better The Helmet Crack Open Than My Skull Is How I See It

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#26

Broken Elbow, But Helmet Saved My Noggin! Grateful I Was Wearing One

Broken Elbow, But Helmet Saved My Noggin! Grateful I Was Wearing One

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#27

Always Wear Your Helmets Cheese Bags And Never Trust Ice Patches

Always Wear Your Helmets Cheese Bags And Never Trust Ice Patches

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#28

This Helmet Was Shot By A Tear Gas Grenade During The Protest In Iraq

This Helmet Was Shot By A Tear Gas Grenade During The Protest In Iraq

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But you also have to remember that helmets aren't forever. Some are manufactured to withstand one impact, while others are made to withstand multiple impacts.

Bicycle helmets, for example, are designed to protect against a single severe impact, such as a fall onto the pavement. The foam material in the helmet will crush to absorb the impact energy during a fall and can't protect you again from a subsequent impact. So even if there are no visible signs of damage, you must replace it.

Other helmets are often designed to protect against multiple moderate impacts, including football and hockey helmets. However, you may still have to replace these helmets after one severe impact, particularly if the helmet has visible signs of damage, such as a cracked shell or a permanent dent.

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#29

This Is Why I Wear A Helmet

This Is Why I Wear A Helmet

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#30

A Helmet Will Save A Life Or A Face

A Helmet Will Save A Life Or A Face

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#31

Flying Debris Broke My Visor

Flying Debris Broke My Visor

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Sheila Stamey
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll bet that scared the you know what outta you! You know, the, oh my , $hit out of you!

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#33

Wear Your Helmet Kids

Wear Your Helmet Kids

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MoodyBlue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Checked this from reddit. It was an accident when this guy was biking on some mountain trails.

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#34

Here's The Helmet That Saved My Life

Here's The Helmet That Saved My Life

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#35

Daily Reminder To Wear Your Gear, My Buddy's Helmet After His Crash. No Head Injuries

Daily Reminder To Wear Your Gear, My Buddy's Helmet After His Crash. No Head Injuries

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Linda Gilliam
Community Member
2 years ago

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Mother's would rather see that, than their child in a coffin !!!

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#36

Guy Fell 20m In Scotland A Few Weeks Ago. Helmet Saved His Life, Only Needed 4 Stitches In The Back Of His Head, Broken Ribs, Broken Vertebrae, Bruised Lungs, And Some Bumps. Wear A Helmet

Guy Fell 20m In Scotland A Few Weeks Ago. Helmet Saved His Life, Only Needed 4 Stitches In The Back Of His Head, Broken Ribs, Broken Vertebrae, Bruised Lungs, And Some Bumps. Wear A Helmet

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#37

Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet

Reminder To Always Wear A Helmet

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KitKat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From _Captain_Future_ : " This lad saved my life. I somehow managed to slip off the left pedal with my left foot and slipped in to my front wheel, got stuck, mad a looping and went full speed kissing the asphalt road. Without the helmet my head probably would have sayed goodbye. Luckily besides massive pain nothings broken or anything i have to be worried about. But this accident showed me one more time how fast u can get into to life dangerous situations just by yourself. Stay healthy folks"

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#38

This Helmet Saved My Life On The Brooklyn Bridge When I Crashed Into Wandering Tourists On The Bike Lane

This Helmet Saved My Life On The Brooklyn Bridge When I Crashed Into Wandering Tourists On The Bike Lane

It’s a Giro Cormick MIPS. It did it’s job but I did pass out (docs thought no concussion). Is there an even safer helmet? I’m thinking maybe Giro Aether or Bell Z20 both MIPS. Thoughts?

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#39

Wear A Helmet

Wear A Helmet

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#40

My Mom Braked For 60 Foot And Then Had A Stroke. She Tumbled And Rolled 70 Feet After And Got Scratches, But That Could Have Been So Much Worse

My Mom Braked For 60 Foot And Then Had A Stroke. She Tumbled And Rolled 70 Feet After And Got Scratches, But That Could Have Been So Much Worse

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#42

My Friend Also Was Saved By His Helmet Recently

My Friend Also Was Saved By His Helmet Recently

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#43

This Helmet Saved My Life This Weekend. I Only Bought And Started Using A Helmet Two Weeks Ago. Please Always Wear One

This Helmet Saved My Life This Weekend. I Only Bought And Started Using A Helmet Two Weeks Ago. Please Always Wear One

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$cagsy
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how idiot-proof this is. It even tells you which part of the body it goes on. Clever. Maybe they have boots with 'foot' written on them and trousers with 'ar$e'. I really do hope so.

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#44

This, Kids, Is Why We Wear Helmets. Stacked It At 43 Km/H, Helmet Took The Brunt

This, Kids, Is Why We Wear Helmets. Stacked It At 43 Km/H, Helmet Took The Brunt

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#45

I'm Glad I Got A Full Face Helmet

I'm Glad I Got A Full Face Helmet

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David Brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some helmet companies will send you a replacement if yours is destroyed in an accident and it saved your life. Take a picture and send it to them. A couple minutes could save you the cost of buying a new one.

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#46

Wear Your Helmets People

Wear Your Helmets People

I was out riding on a road I have been on many times before. But last Thursday 5/16 I was hit by a pickup truck. I do not remember the accident but someone who witnessed it said I flew a ways and landed on my back and head. I spent a day in the hospital and now just a little banged up. I believe if it wasn't for the helmet it would have been much worse.

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#47

Friendly PSA To Wear Your Helmet Kids. Trees Are Hard. That Would've Been My Skull

Friendly PSA To Wear Your Helmet Kids. Trees Are Hard. That Would've Been My Skull

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Weirdest Bi You’ll Ever Meet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It may not look like much but imagine that on your skull. Imma copy Linda rq. Mothers would rather see that than a coffin.

#48

Always Wear Your Helmets, I Don’t Want To Think About What Would Have Happened If I Wasn’t Wearing Mine. Stay Safe

Always Wear Your Helmets, I Don’t Want To Think About What Would Have Happened If I Wasn’t Wearing Mine. Stay Safe

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Linda Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Making screenshots to show to my boys. Because they think they're invincible 😢

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#49

My Helmet Just Saved My Life

My Helmet Just Saved My Life

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Weed in the Garden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See what it takes to make this happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69DzW7RJLW8

#50

So Uhhh Helmets Yeah?

So Uhhh Helmets Yeah?

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Note: this post originally had 81 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.