Put brakes on efforts to repeal biker helmet laws

USA Today ^ | 7/1/2003

[presidio9]

By the way, I always wear my helmet and seatbelt no matter what state I'm riding or driving in. My choice - my family still likes having me around.

Me too. But that's MY choice.

[nothingnew]

Heh heh heh...thanks for the mammaries. Just watched "About Schmidt" last nite. Almost forgot about "Easy Rider". Old Jack is still one of my favorite actors.

FMCDH

[M_Man]

The article didn't address the effect of Helmet Laws on the supply of Organ Donors. I don't have the hard facts, but I suspect that far more riders survive with life-long medical needs when wearing the helmet.

Without the helmet? - Organ Donor.

How is Society served by the Helmet Laws?

[ffusco]

I agree completely- and I have a shattered collar bone, a dental bridge, and back and neck pian, but I'm alive.

75 MotoGuzzi 850-T

[spunkets]

That emancipation proclamation should be available for everyone to sign at the age of reason. It should be for universal legal emancipation from all nanny regs whatsoever.

[gtech]

Statistics Blah, Blah, Blah, - Motorcycle sales are up by 54% since 1997, so gee; more motorcycle accidents.

Good point. That was my other problem with the article, the statistics which can be skewed to say anything. How many more rider were there? How much did the population increase, etc.

The primary issue I still have is freedom and nanny-government though.

[jimt]

The problem is socialism, not helmets.

People in cars would be safer wearing helmets as well. In fact, suits of armor would improve safety for all. Better yet, never let people out of their houses. Reduce all speed limits to 15 miles per hour.

If we eliminate the socialism idiots like the article's author would have no leg to stand on.

[TankerKC]

How can you be disabled or unemployed when you are dead?

You may; as long as you register as a Democrat.

[spunkets]

"How is Society served by the Helmet Laws?"

Some folks get paid good tax money to nickle and dime other folks to death.

[newgeezer]

No helmet?

No gov't assistance. No unpaid bills.

[Servant of the Nine]

Most of the clowns who ride bare headed don't have insurance anyway. The answer is to stop offering charity treatment to uninsured bikers, and to let insurance companies charge much higher premiums only for those who want helmetless coverage.

So9

[Servant of the Nine]

That's one reason 49 states have mandatory seat-belt-use laws for adults.

A LIE

States have mandatory seat belt laws in order to qualify for Federal Highway Funds.

So9

[spunkets]

We couls always have govm't employees push everyone around in NHTSA approved wheelchairs with crashguards.

[tahiti]

"I don't think it's anybody's business if they wear helmets or not. If they're dumb enough to drive a vehicle with NO safety features, let them..

LET THEM???? What do you mean, "let them." You make it sound like a free citizen has to ask for government permission to exert a right.

Amendment IX

"The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, SHALL NOT be construed to DENY OR DISPARAGE others (rights) RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE."

Every U.S. citizen has the "...others (right) retained by the people" as to whether to they wish to wear a helmet or not while riding and/or operating a motorcycle.

Same principle with the issue of mandated seat belt use.

No enacted law, either federal, state, or local can usurp, deny or disparage either enumerated and unenumerated rights, even if there appears to be a "delegated power" or "jurisdiction" to enact such a law.

If you need examples to understand this concept ask me for some and I will be happy to reply.

[hobbes1]

Letting bikers be free to choose how they ride carries a cost borne by everyone.

So does F*ng Mediscare. The author of this article is a Jagoff.

[MineralMan]

Anyone who rides a motorcycle on the road or off without a helmet is an idiot, and a candidate for a Darwin award. Should there be laws mandating helmets? I don't know, and I don't much care. I'll wear mine every time I mount up, whatever the law.

Further, I'll dress appropriately for riding. Doing both saved my life when I was just 16. I was riding a Yamaha YDS2 (boy I wish I had one now) down the freeway, doing about 65, when my front tire blew. Before I knew it, I was sliding down the road on my side, head slapping the pavement.

I had the presence of mind to spread out a little to keep myself from tumbling. When I stopped, I checked myself out. My 501's were worn almost through on the butt and one leg. My jacket was worn through on one shoulder,and there was a nice hole ground into the helmet.

I had some road rash, but that was it. The bike, oddly enough, was relatively undamaged, having slid on its side for the whole accident. A new tire and a new clutch lever and I was back on the road.

So, I don't care whether there's a law or not. But I sure do advise wearing a good helmet and dressing appropriately. I cringe every time I see some guy on a crotch rocket in shorts, t-shirt, and beach shoes. Dumb.

[Gone_Postal]

It's not a safety thing for the states........it's a money thing
$100 fine in NC for not wearing correct head protective gear.

If a rider doesn't want to wear a helment that should be his decision, however if insurance is required in his state than it should be the insurance co decisions as to insure a rider without a helment and the rider should ascept any and all consenquences.

I have rode with and without a helment ........and without is such a great feeling of freedom, wind blowing in your face and all..........mostly I do wear one, you see I have a family and feel the need to be there for them.......

[Duke of Milan]

At the risk of siding with more regulation, which I don't want, here in Ohio when a rider gets their cycle license they, by law, must wear a helmet while riding for the first year- after that it's up to the rider. While I have rode without a helmet(and enjoyed it), having followed that law the first year, I believe it did contribute to the feeling "naked" when I didn't wear it. At the risk of advocating more government, I think Ohio law is a good balance.

[JoeSixPack1]

Great post!

The fingers started pointing before the pixels on this thread had time to organize!

Control freaks will always stop short of styfling themselves while protecting everyone else. The arguements get more entertaining everyday and DOT still hasn't figured out what specs to demand of an approved DOT helmet.

I'm a "98mph-into-and-through-a-brick-wall" survivor. I got enough road rash that day to kill 3 people. I had a helmet on then, but didn't need it except to prevent a ticket. Never even scratched the helmet's paint. Didn't have a shirt on tho. Now I get to brag about all that new young skin I grew back and never ever ride without a shirt, long pants and boots.

I wear a helmet,
sometimes it's on my head, sometimes it's in the saddlebag. :-)

The only reason helmet laws are being rescinded is because the biker groups like ABATE have lobbyists to go after these laws.

No group is currently challenging seatbelt laws.
That's reality. Everything else is SPIN!