Human Limits

The weather is finally warming up here in Minnesota and now that the ice is off the road I started riding my bike to work this week.   That having been said, I want to be a nag today and encourage everyone to wear a helmet when either riding a bike or motorcycle.

Motorcycles: Just the Facts

Here is a quick summary of 2010 motorcycle fatality data from the Centers for Disease Control:

“In 2010, the 4,502 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) killed in motorcycle crashes made up 14% of all road traffic deaths, yet motorcycles accounted for <1% of all vehicle miles traveled . Helmet use consistently has been shown to reduce motorcycle crash–related injuries and deaths, and the most effective strategy to increase helmet use is enactment of universal helmet laws. Universal helmet laws require all motorcyclists to wear helmets whenever they ride. To examine the association between states’ motorcycle helmet laws and helmet use or nonuse among fatally injured motorcyclists, CDC analyzed 2008–2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of fatal traffic crashes in the United States. Additionally, economic cost data from NHTSA were obtained to compare the costs saved as a result of helmet use, by type of state motorcycle helmet law. The findings indicated that, on average, 12% of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets in states with universal helmet laws, compared with 64% in partial helmet law states (laws that only required specific groups, usually young riders, to wear helmets) and 79% in states without a helmet law. Additionally, in 2010, economic costs saved from helmet use by society in states with a universal helmet law were, on average, $725 per registered motorcycle, nearly four times greater than in states without such a law ($198).”

Additionally, helmets reduce the risk of death from a motorcycle accident by about 40%, and head injury by about 70%.

Bike Helmets

There is also solid evidence that bike helmets prevent head injuries, and here is one paper from France.  However, there is some controversy about whether mandatory bike helmet laws discourage bike riding and the health benefits that flow from it.  The topic is complex and depends on a number of factors related to the safety of riding a bike vs. other public health benefits.   However, the guidelines are pretty clear and bike helmets are a good idea and prevent head injuries.

Summary

Enjoy the warm weather and wear a helmet when you are on something with two wheels.   Make sure you kids are wearing them too!

I have been really impressed by the University of Louisville’s up tempo style of play during March Madness.  Yesterday they beat a very good Duke team 85-63 in a way that reminded me of the best game I ever saw by one team, a 1977 NCAA tournament game between #2 San Francisco and UNLV  that Las Vegas won 121-93 (with no 3 point line) .  Like UNLV of old, the Louisville team of 2012-13 plays up tempo and tenacious defense.

click here for video

Is Relaxation is the Key?

During a web search for “Louisville & up tempo”, I stumbled onto a web site by the jazz drummer Joe LaBarbera.   LaBarbera wrote a great piece “How to play up-tempo jazz without getting tired”.  In addition to some detailed technical advice, here is something on how relaxation during a performance is the key:

“O.K., so now back to the issue of playing up tempo (fast) without tiring. One major reason I have discovered over the years for fatigue is a lack of relaxation when playing. You may have seen some drummers who look like they are working very hard when they play fast while others achieve the same thing seemingly effortlessly.  One thing that has served me well over the years is the ability to stay relaxed at the drums……”

Here is a clip of Mr. LaBarbera teaching and playing with a high school band in 2010.

click here for video

Relax & Win

What LaBarbera says and shows is consistent with some of the ideas I have discussed in previous posts about relaxation and mastery.   The paradox of success in many fields is that it flows from a strange combination of total effort and total relaxation at the same time.