Motorcycle Helmet laws

[basas]

I was having a discussion about this with someone today, then went online and looked up the laws of individual states. For example, in MN anyone under 18 has to wear a helmet, in Iowa there is no law and in Nebraska everyone is required to wear one. What do you all think the law should be?

http://usff.com/hldlhome.html (All laws)

 

[Cool-Beans]

While I think everyone should wear a helmet and people who don't are either stupid or have a death wish (of course, riding the motorcycle even with the helmet is pretty stupid, IMO), I don't think it should be required by law.

People should be free to be as stupid as they want to be.

Plus, lots of people need kidneys and such. Gotta get them somewhere!

Let 'em ride.

 

[tiggersmom2]

While I think everyone should wear a helmet and people who don't are either stupid or have a death wish (of course, riding the motorcycle even with the helmet is pretty stupid, IMO), I don't think it should be required by law.

People should be free to be as stupid as they want to be.

Plus, lots of people need kidneys and such. Gotta get them somewhere!

Let 'em ride.

Exactly....I had a reply typed out...but yours is perfect!

 

[basas]

While I think everyone should wear a helmet and people who don't are either stupid or have a death wish (of course, riding the motorcycle even with the helmet is pretty stupid, IMO), I don't think it should be required by law.

People should be free to be as stupid as they want to be.

Plus, lots of people need kidneys and such. Gotta get them somewhere!

Let 'em ride.

BTW, I agree with you.


EDIT: Actually, I don't think riding a motorcycle (even with the helmet) is a pretty stupid idea. For some it's a great escape activity like snowmobiling or hunting.

 

[Barbossa]

Though I voted to require helmets, I've always been ambivalent about helmet laws. It is a critical piece of safety equipment, and vehicle safety laws abound (i.e. seatbelts etc.).

I rode sport bikes in my youth, helmets definitely were a part of a sport bikers ensemble. On Harleys they don't look so cool.

There's a saying among bikers: Helmets are the difference between an open and closed casket funeral!

 

[mickeyfan2]

While I think everyone should wear a helmet and people who don't are either stupid or have a death wish (of course, riding the motorcycle even with the helmet is pretty stupid, IMO), I don't think it should be required by law.

People should be free to be as stupid as they want to be.

Plus, lots of people need kidneys and such. Gotta get them somewhere!

Let 'em ride.

MTE

 

[poohandwendy]

I don't really care if adults want to take the risk, but I think helmets definitely should be required for anyone under 18.

I would also like to see some laws passed that said if you make the decision not to wear a seat belt or helmet and are involved in an accident that resulted in your injuries, you would forfeit the right to a percentage of the insurance claim. IOW, I don't think insurance companies or the public should have to foot the bill for your wanting to take risks.

 

[jgmklmhem]

I don't really care if adults want to take the risk, but I think helmets definitely should be required for anyone under 18.

I would also like to see some laws passed that said if you make the decision not to wear a seat belt or helmet and are involved in an accident that resulted in your injuries, you would forfeit the right to a percentage of the insurance claim. IOW, I don't think insurance companies or the public should have to foot the bill for your wanting to take risks.

My thoughts exactly!!!

 

[Scutapipig]

There's a saying among bikers: Helmets are the difference between an open and closed casket funeral!

Oof. The smilies at the end laughing were like a kick in the stomach. My brother in law died in a motorcycle accident, two days after his wedding. He had a closed casket and he HAD been wearing a helmet.

I believe helmets should be required by law.

 

[GeorgeG]

I used to ride motorcycles and New York State required helmets for all riders. I think it's a good law. Here in Florida, I could ride without a helmet (I think they're required under a certain age), but I don't think I'd be comfortable doing so.

One thing about motorcycles is that in even a minor accident, you will very likely sustain some injury, helmet or not.

I like the concept of insurance not covering stupidity, as long as it's clearly defined. I also think that should apply to health insurance for people who choose to smoke. The only problem is that something like that could open a huge can of worms.

 

[Tantor]

All riders. It's law up here in Canuck country.

 

[Shutterbug]

Here in Ohio, motorcyclist are not required to wear a helmet BUT car passengers are required to wear seatbelts. How messed up is that????
I know long time ago motorcyclist had to wear helmets but a motorcyclist lobby got them to repeal that law.

Hey if its required by law for me to be wearing a seatbelt at all times that I am in the car then helmets must be required of motorcyclist as well.

 

[JimB.]

I like the concept of insurance not covering stupidity, as long as it's clearly defined. I also think that should apply to health insurance for people who choose to smoke. The only problem is that something like that could open a huge can of worms.

In principle I agree, but the problem is that the helmetless rider (IF they survive an accident) will be taken to the local hospital or Trauma center where they will become an expense of the taxpayer.

If insurance does not pay (or runs out) the taxpayers foot the bill. You cannot leave an "insurance-less" motorcycle rider bleeding by the side of the road.

BTW, in my job as a Firefighter/Paramedic I have seen the results of some accidents of that nature. I can tell you the Results Are Not Pretty.

Especially the guy that hit a tree at 100+ mph.

 

[jen0610]

Here in Ohio, motorcyclist are not required to wear a helmet BUT car passengers are required to wear seatbelts. How messed up is that????
I know long time ago motorcyclist had to wear helmets but a motorcyclist lobby got them to repeal that law.

Hey if its required by law for me to be wearing a seatbelt at all times that I am in the car then helmets must be required of motorcyclist as well.

Ain't that a kicker!! Same thing here in IN. And the stupidity of some of the riders around here. Saw a guy last year, on his crochrocket wearing shorts, a "wife-beater" t-shirt and flip-flops. The short weren't jean shorts, but the nylon athletic style that he had pull the legs way up on his thighs. If he laid that bike down, he was going to skin himself from head to toe.

I don't think the law should stop at helmets. They need to be written that you have to have your arms and legs covered as well. And for all the cute little girlfriends hanging on to the back of your boyfriend with you toes sticking out of you cute sandles, closed toe shoes.

If the laws of the states dictate that I'm not safe in my car without a seatbelt on, then by god the riders of motorcycles need to have to proctect themselves by wearing proctective gear while ride their bikes.

Yes this is a very touchy subject for me.

 

[sanctus]

Helmuts for everyone regardless of age should be the law. Your individual freedom to take that risk does not outweigh the cost to taxpayers when you're injured and the state has to pay for your medical care. Or the emotional cost to others involved in the accident when you die of preventable injury.

 

[ndelaware]

Here in Ohio, motorcyclist are not required to wear a helmet BUT car passengers are required to wear seatbelts. How messed up is that????
I know long time ago motorcyclist had to wear helmets but a motorcyclist lobby got them to repeal that law.

Hey if its required by law for me to be wearing a seatbelt at all times that I am in the car then helmets must be required of motorcyclist as well.

Same here in Delaware.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Helmets for everyone... my husband and father both ride. My father took a spill last year after someone pulls out and cut him off. He had to dump the bike to avoid hitting the car. I dont want to think about the outcome

 

[Shutterbug]

If the laws of the states dictate that I'm not safe in my car without a seatbelt on, then by god the riders of motorcycles need to have to proctect themselves by wearing proctective gear while ride their bikes.

exactly!

I am in car with all these dang safety features..ABS, front air bags, side air bags, crash sensors etc etc and I am STILL required to wear a seat belt!
Motorcyclist have nothing.They are exposed. They are on a machine that has a higher horsepower ratio than a car. Can accelerate faster than a car. Its all around a less safe vehicle than a car BUT are not required to even have a helmet

 

[profdsny]

BTW, I agree with you.


EDIT: Actually, I don't think riding a motorcycle (even with the helmet) is a pretty stupid idea. For some it's a great escape activity like snowmobiling or hunting.

True, but if you fall while hunting you likely aren't going to kill yourself, unless you have the gun pointed in the wrong direction. Snowmobiling can be another story. But at either of the above you aren't doing over 120 miles per hour when you wipe out. Actually, I think some states require helmets on snowmobilers also.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

While I think everyone should wear a helmet and people who don't are either stupid or have a death wish (of course, riding the motorcycle even with the helmet is pretty stupid, IMO), I don't think it should be required by law.

People should be free to be as stupid as they want to be.

Plus, lots of people need kidneys and such. Gotta get them somewhere!

Let 'em ride.

I agree with this sentiment. Let those with death wish genes please clear the gene pool for the rest of us. That being said, there should certainly be a law requiring helmets for children riding as passengers on such bikes. My Dad, back when he still had a bike and road it, would toss me on the back...no helmet...no shoes...and take off.