Seems like the UK has it about right then, where wearing a helmet is encouraged but not compulsory. I do wear a helmet, even though it's a pain. Reading around

Seems like the UK has it about right then, where wearing a helmet is encouraged but not compulsory. I do wear a helmet, even though it's a pain. Reading around I see a lot of sites claiming they are not effective, but it always seems to be secondary effects - like, cars will pass you more closely, or you will ride more riskily due to a false sense of security. Are there any studies on the actual safety record? Intuitively it seems like of course it will be better for you if you fall wearing a helmet - is this true?