Imagine you’re a police officer parked by the roadside, radar gun at the ready. A Ducati streaks past in a blur of red and chrome, the rider’s hair whipping in the wind like he just stepped out of a shampoo commercial. The officer sighs, flips on his lights, and pulls into pursuit. As the bike slows and the helmetless motorcyclist eases onto the shoulder, the officer braces for the usual litany of excuses. What he hears next? It’s a story he’d be telling for years.

The tale, originally posted to Reddit by a now-deleted user, has become the stuff of Internet legend:

“My uncle is a cop in town, and he would always tell the story of the time he pulled over this Fabio-looking guy riding his Ducati without a helmet. When prompted as to why he wasn’t wearing a helmet he responded, ‘I just took a shower officer I’m just drying my hair.’ [sic]”

The audacity! If you can picture Fabio himself, locks glistening and free in the breeze, you’re not alone. The image of a helmetless motorcyclist blasting down the road at breakneck speed, prioritizing his hairstyle over safety, is absurd enough to be funny—but also a little chilling.

The real risks for helmetless motorcyclists

Attorney Andrew Flusche reacted to this gem in a YouTube video, marveling at both the hilarity and the absurdity of the excuse. “I guess that would go along with the Fabio look if he’s got these long locks and he needs his hair to blow in the breeze,” Flusche said with a laugh. “But unfortunately, if you’re riding a motorcycle without a helmet, you’re literally asking to die.”

Flusche makes an important point. While the rider’s excuse might spark laughter, the reality of helmetless riding is no joke. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, riders without helmets are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries in a crash. Even minor accidents can lead to devastating outcomes when riders forego protective gear. Sixteen U.S. states require helmets for all riders, but many others let adults decide. Unfortunately, that freedom often comes at a steep cost.

Motorcycles offer a thrilling sense of freedom, but they come with significant risks. So let Fabio’s fabulous hair—and this unforgettable excuse—serve as a cautionary tale. Ride smart, ride safe, and always wear a helmet.