NOVA or not, the risk is all the same. There are too many key factors that decide whether one goes down or not, and the amount of traffic and poor drivers are only two of those factors. Wind, potholes, gravel, sand, etc.

I too feel naked without a helmet. When i wear it, i almost feel like im in a car, or rather--my HEAD is in a car, and the rest of me is outside chillen. Anyone who doesnt wear a helmet is a fool and just another statistic. Besides, im sure nothing would change a persons mind more than having a rock or bug hit them in the face at any speed over 45mph.