I'm buying braces more for peace of mind and the belief I have done all i can possiby to reduce risk both for my young bloke, knowing at least I have done what I can,also buying one for me and I dont ride that quick and gotten older and hate to admit but the reflexes arent as quick as they used to be and because if anything were to happen, whos gonna support my wife and kids, I hope nothing ever happens that could result in any such injury but accidents do happen, its just the degree of the accident that changes, give it 5 years and youll be hard going to see anyone not using one if there serious about safety, when we were youngsters, nothing like this was available but I can remember at least two guys I went to school with with halo wearing neck injuries so I guess they were lucky. They still get to walk.