Helmets

A driver’s helmet is a form of recognition, much the same as coats of arms in medieval warfare. “Lion rampant on gulles, with bend sinister argent, hold your fire lads, he’s one of ours.”

A hard hat added weight to the head and so increased the chance of serious neck injuries. If your head was going to hit a tree, you’d be dead in any case, a helmet made from compressed cork was not going to help you.