Comment by ImJamal

I think you know what I am talking about. Actual helmet usage. Wearing a helmet is safer than not wearing one.

If you look at the number of auto deaths 100 years ago it is lower than today. You can't use that ad proof that seatbelts cause deaths. Instead you have to look at other factors like the amount of drivers. With my helmet example you would look at lives saved from wearing the helmet.

Secondly, I've seen some studies (I think it was in the UK, but didn't feel like trying to find it) that showed people dying younger is actually more cost effective since older people have larger medical expenses.