Resident Douglas M. Bronson of New Smyrna Beach, dead at the scene minutes after midnight Tuesday March 25, 2008.

Reports show he was not wearing a helmet.  A preliminary report estimated Santana’s speed at 40 mph. The speed limit on the road is posted at 35 mph.  Not sure if a helmet would have helped Mr. Brunson or only would have caused additional pain, suffering and prolonged his death.

Accident has been turned over to a traffic homicide investigator, but no charges have been filed at this time.

This is a debate as a rider, I would not want a helmet to save me.  This type of impact would cause sever trauma and if a helmet saved my life, what life would I have after such impact.  The burden on your family to know have to care for you for the rest of your life is not what I would want.  I would hate to force my family to change their life because of a careless driver.

We as riders have to join together and support foundations that bring awareness to the community and drivers that motorcycles are everywhere.  One foundation I support is the Gene Pearson Motorcycle Awareness Foundation, Inc.  A simple message:  LOOK TWICE – SAVE A LIFE.  Gene’s mother is on a mission to get the word out after losing her son.  You can find out more and lend your support at GenePearson.org