The way I see it, it is all based on risk management. That involves assessing the likelihood or probability of having an accident, measured against the consequences or impact that accident would have. For quading, based on my riding style, I assess the probability of having an accident as low. I don't do jumps, catwalks, or drive very fast. In fact the last rally I went to in Sundre (where I wore a helmet) I actually got lapped by several riders, including one shirtless and helmetless guy driving a Yamaha Bruin of all things. I have been riding ATVs since the late 70s when they had three wheels, shifting up was down, and Hondas were green.
The point I am trying to make is helmets are not the end-all be-all in ATV safety. There are lot of other things overlooked in an ATV accident like speed, alcohol, poor judgement, bad decisions, or lack of training and experience. Wearing a helmet is your last defence. If you ignore all the other aspects a helmet is probably pointless. Its kind of like an avy beacon. Sure you can wear one, but does that mean you can ignore all the other factors that may cause an avalanche?
Sorry to say this, but if you have been in multiple ATV accidents at less than 5 mph, including one with multiple rollevers, I can only conclude that you are either a bad or inexperienced rider, or that you have no ability to understand or measure the impact of your riding decisions.
I have been on motorized toys before i could ride a bicycle so i don't think inexperience is the issue! lol
Like i said you guys must ride pasture if you dont see the under side of one machine every ride. I like to go everywhere, the hole no one else has the balls to try or the hill climb that is right on the edge of way too steep. I am the first into the river or creek to find a way accrossand i do not give up easily either, i will try an obstacle multiple time trying different lines or angles until i suceed. To me that is the fun, if you are not pushing yourself to your limits and beyond you are not getting any better you are just taking up space!
My quad has been upside down no less than three times so far this summer and only one of those times was i going faster than 5mph, i even had to swim for it once! lol
Don't get me wrong i am not saying it will save you everytime but it is part of the protection i wear and i expect my riding partners to at least have one also, the rest of the gear i wear is up to them.
Have you seen what 66 stitches across the face looks like before the hospital? Have you ever tried to get an injured person out of the bush and to the hospital that is two hours away from camp while their face is leaking like a smashed ketchup bottle? I have, and I almost wish i would have taken a picture because that is all the convincing anyone needs right there.
TB