Motorcycle Helmet laws

[Barbossa]

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.

The "wink" meant that this was firmly tongue-in-cheek, I appreciate as well as anyone what a motorcycle accident can do to lives and families. Apologies if the comment caused any distress.

 

[Barbossa]

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.

I agree with this. I shake my head at motorcyclists (I live in SoCal), and it seems to be the majority of them, who don't wear the proper protective clothing: leather jacket, boots, gloves, and preferably pants (jeans are accepted but I don't think they do much). I had heard that something like half of all motorcycle deaths are due to road rash and the resulting complications.

I think that, if you do it the right way, the risks of motorcycling can be kept to acceptable levels. This means wearing a helmet, protective clothing, taking MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) courses to keep your skill levels up, riding smart in traffic etc., and riding within the limits of your ability.

 

[eeyore25]

I think that, if you do it the right way, the risks of motorcycling can be kept to acceptable levels. This means wearing a helmet, protective clothing, taking MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) courses to keep your skill levels up, riding smart in traffic etc., and riding within the limits of your ability.[/QUOTE]

I totally 100% agree with this statement. I would say this is one of the biggest reasons people go down, they are riding outside of their ability ( at least here in Denver) Both my husband I and ride (crotchrockets) and when we ride, it's full gear. I also agree with the other poster that said that the law shouldn't stop just at helmets. We ride with a group of others and the rule is everyone must have gear. Even the ones on the backs.

So I said helmets for everyone.

 

[Darcy03231]

I voted helmets for everyone even though my state doesn't require them (NH - Live Free or Die). Having witnessed some minor accidents with major injuries due to no helmets I think they should be required for everyone.

 

[kimluvswdw]

I would never ride my motorcycle without a helmet. I can't wait until it is time to bring my bike out again.

 

[GeorgeG]

I would never ride my motorcycle without a helmet. I can't wait until it is time to bring my bike out again.

You can ride all year down this way. The biggest risk here is there are many, many old folks driving cars who can't see, can't hear, are very slow to react and really shouldn't be driving. That increases the odds of being killed just a little past my comfort level. When we went to DMV to get our Florida licenses there was a old lady getting hers re-newed. She had to be in her 80s and used a walker to get around... sort of. She needed help just to get out the door, but she got to her car after about 15 minutes and drove away. Be afraid... be very afraid!

I'm getting into my senior years and I hope I have the good sense to know when to stop driving.

 

[PatsGirl]

I don't think helmets or seat belts should be mandatory for persons over 21. And for the sake of the argument about emergency/healthcare costs, I'll bet ya that our country spends a hundred times more on chronic diseases that are self-imposed by obesity, alcohol/tobacco/drug use, and just plain laziness. I sure know a whole lot more people with COPD, Emphysema, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer to name a few. It is estimated that 10% of the population are regularly treated for diseases that are preventable -- do 10% of motorcycle riders require regular medical treatment? Just a thought.

My point being, I think one needs to make their own judgments. I ride and wear a helmet and leather because I am inexperienced and unsure of myself at times. I have friends that belong to the "wearing a helmet only dictates whether the casket will be open or closed" mentality.

Because kids don't have the life experience to make good judgments, I believe that the laws should protect them until they are 21 and can make their own choices.

 

[basas]

I totally 100% agree with this statement. I would say this is one of the biggest reasons people go down, they are riding outside of their ability ( at least here in Denver) Both my husband I and ride (crotchrockets) and when we ride, it's full gear. I also agree with the other poster that said that the law shouldn't stop just at helmets. We ride with a group of others and the rule is everyone must have gear. Even the ones on the backs.

So I said helmets for everyone.

I think it's great that you choose to be as safe as possible and ride with full gear, but shouldn't others also be able to make up their own minds? Why does someone else need to be telling people what and what not to do, or what and what not is dangerous? Are we going to ban downhill skiing without a helmet next? While I think people should wear a helmet on a motorcycle, I also think they should be able to decide that for themselves.

 

[crz4mm2]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That is why we have a FREE country.
I wear a helmet every time I get on our bike. I wouldn't even ride it home from the dealership without a helmet.
My DH has a helmet and wears it very infrequently.

I don't think there should be a "law" but I think every one SHOULD wear one. I harp on him all the time. He doesn't listen.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

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.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I voted for all riders. I figure if the government can tell you that you have to wear a seatbelt while riding in the car, then they can tell you that you have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. It's the law here in Virginia. I am always shocked when I see people without helmets in other states.

 

[DISUNC]

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.

ITA too!

 

[pooksma]

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

Yes it is and it has saved at least 3 people I know. I have to admit I am shocked every time we drive in the US and see so many younger people without helmets.