Feds say all motorcycle riders should be required to wear helmets

[redyaris]

If you don't like the rules for access to public roads then you have several options

1. Don't drive on them
2. Lobby government to change the rules, If you have good evidence...
3.Buy land and build your own roads, then you can make the rules for access.

The rules of the road are what we deside they are based on the best evidence available. if you don't like the rules gather evidence as to why the rules should be different and then try to convice the rest of us [who are all owners of the PUBLIC roads] that the new rules are better.

[redyaris]

Originally Posted by dcb

Do you wear a bullet proof vest? Should you have to pay more, by law, for not wearing a bullet proof vest?

By the way if you are a peace officer who is required to carry a side arm then you are required to wear a bullet proof vest. If you don't want to wear a bullet proof vest, then you can't be a peace officer. The same goes for riding a motorcycle on public roads, no helmit no ride on public roads.
I have ridden motorcycles for over 40 years and have always worn the best helmit I could afford. If you think the rules for helmits on public roads are a pain try motorcycle racing, and see what sanctioning bodies require for safty equipment.

[dcb]

We are talking about citizens though, not police or racers. Helmets are an awesome idea, I wear one probably 98% of the time, do I only need $200 in health insurance in that case?

[RobertSmalls]

What's the downside of wearing a helmet, again? How is it anything but a good idea?

[user removed]

Since I wear one every time I ride, it does not matter to me what they say. I also buckle up every time I drive.

regards
Mech

[bdesj]

I think all motorcycles should be required to wear a muffler. Put that one on the books and I`ll be happy.

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

We've already all but eliminated poverty-related deaths, so why not eliminate deaths related to habitual stupidity, too?

Hey, leave my cigarettes alone please!

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by redyaris

If you don't like the rules for access to public roads then you have several options

1. Don't drive on them
2. Lobby government to change the rules, If you have good evidence...
3.Buy land and build your own roads, then you can make the rules for access.

The rules of the road are what we deside they are based on the best evidence available. if you don't like the rules gather evidence as to why the rules should be different and then try to convice the rest of us [who are all owners of the PUBLIC roads] that the new rules are better.

You left out

4. Disobey the rules.

The rules of the road are not always based on the best evidence. They are based on what is politically expedient and/or what special interest groups have managed to ram through and/or what provides the most revenue while still being on the side of public acceptance.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

What's the downside of wearing a helmet, again? How is it anything but a good idea?

If I jump on a lil Vino scooter to see the G.F. just down the way, I can do that now with no helmet and would not be pleased if one was required. I bicycle helmetless too and if it was required I'd probably break the law or... I don't know what. I do wear a full-face helmet when snowmobiling and motorcycling on the highway as a matter of comfort first, safety second. However I am opposed to having a nanny govt require it.

[Thymeclock]

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw

But I can think of at least one reason why helmets should be mandatory. Imagine you're driving your car and you hit a motorcyclist. If he had a helmet on, then he's got a few broken limbs and a mild concussion. If he didn't, then he's dead. It may have been his fault, it may have been yours. Either way, someone died and you had a part in it. Maybe you killed an idiot, but you've got a human being on your conscience.

My wife's cousin was recently killed in an accident while driving his motorcycle. The negligent driver of a van approaching from the opposite direction made a left turn directly in front of him, crossing right into his path. As he could not avoid the collision, he inevitably broadsided the van and was killed.

So much for your hypothetical scenario. The helmet he was wearing could do nothing to protect him.

More laws and regulations do not make us any safer. They only make us less free.

[autoteach]

Sometimes it is like strapping on a cup to take sledge hammer hits to the crotch. IMHO, Helmet laws DO NOT help limit rehab costs, they do help limit deaths. Now, if you think about what I am saying, and have any clue to what it is to ride a motorcycle, you get how, in many cases, a helmet is just a knife at a gun fight.

Why I wear one... Bugs hurt, noise (I also wear ear plugs), wind protection, safety is probably last. Why I wear a riding jacket whenever I ride... it is like strapping yourself in, you feel far more comfortable when the elements are not tearing at your bear skin. Oh, if I crash it might help. Why I dont wear decent boots... Lazy. Why I dont wear riding pants... Lazy. Do I wear it all ever? You bet, when I am going to go for more than a commute, so a day ride or overnight.

Should sub 18 yr olds be required? I think it would be a good idea (they require it here for motorcycles). What I cant understand is the requirement for kids on moto's but not scooters. I just think that it is a inconsistent law, so do both or none for the tikes. (median speed pre-crash, 29.8mph for all motorcycle accidents researched). Hurt Report Conclusions