Rising deaths stir new debate over helmet laws

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 12/01/03 | Joseph A. Gambardello

[Semper]

I think the most important point here is that giving people a choice regarding helmets is more important than giving government more control. There is relatively little difference in the overall cost of insurance or public medical costs without this intrusion. Many people will wear helmets even if not coerced by the government. Many injuries in serious motorcycle accidents are only diminished slightly by wearing a helmet. Some accidents would not result in head injuries with or without a helmet. Some accidents result in worse injury because of a helmet (neck injuries). Some motorcycle accidents can be avoided by not wearing a helmet (better awareness of surroundings). Many accidents are fatal, helmet or not.

Auto accidents would not result in as much medical cost if everyone was required to wear a helmet when operating any type of motor vehicle. How would you like to be required to wear a helmet in your car? It might make you a little safer and reduce your insurance costs a little. No thanks.

[RWG]

I think the most important point here is that giving people a choice regarding helmets is more important than giving government more control.

Allowing as many choices as possible seems a good thing. I want the choice of not having to bear costs that could have been avoided

[Semper]

I want the choice of not having to bear costs that could have been avoided

Avoiding costs is a relative thing. What about wearing helmets in cars? How much freedom do you want to give up (or take from others) to avoid how much cost?

My state already requires insurance; my insurance company assesses my costs based upon accident history. If helmets were optional, the insurance company could offer different rates for that.

Bottom line: How much money will you save by taking my freedom to determine what I wear while riding my motorcycle? Not very much, so why would you stop there? Why not prohibit motorcycles all together? That would save a lot more money. What freedoms do you want to forfeit to save me a little money? This is not the path you want to be going down.