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Think its a good idea to wear a helmet?
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Posted by: robwbright---------------------

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060618...orcycle_helmets

I am opposed to helmet and seat belt laws for a variety of reasons, but I do wear them by my own choice.

The above article does seem to show that it's a good idea.

"Motorcycle registrations have increased 87 percent in Florida since Bush signed the helmet law repeal on July 1, 2000."

Wow.

Posted by: Vic---------------------

Seems like a no-brainer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robwbright

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060618...orcycle_helmets

"Motorcycle registrations have increased 87 percent in Florida since Bush signed the helmet law repeal on July 1, 2000."

Wow.

One may have nothing to do with the other.

Posted by: BSWIFT---------------------

Quote:

"The media spent way too much time harping on the helmet issue and not enough on the cause of the accident," Carroll said. "What causes most of the crashes is cars. Usually, it's the car driver turning left at an intersection and causing an accident because they didn't see us coming."

Statistics actually support this statement. I'm in agreement with Robwright,

Quote:

I am opposed to helmet and seat belt laws for a variety of reasons, but I do wear them by my own choice.

Posted by: 2stroke---------------------

I would venture that the increase of motorcycle registrations is probably a cultural phenomenon and has little to do with the law.

As for helmets, personally, Id never be without one. Full face at that. Dirt or street.

As for the law, I never gave it much thought as it would not go against my own personal preference. I find it no more "oppressive" to my basic freedoms than the seatbelt laws.

Here in MD, where helmets are the law, you see alot of guys riding big bikes with helmets that look like they cover about as much as a yamekah.

Posted by: AXE_1967---------------------

Ride with no helmet is fine if you never have an accident. If you ever have one you'll wish that you had been wearing one if you even get the chance to say I wish I'd been wearing one.

Posted by: KX02---------------------

What's the point of buying a hog in Florida if you have to ruin it and wear a dorky helmet?

Posted by: rickyd---------------------

Too be able too ride another day

That pavement comes at you pretty fast..

Posted by: Patman---------------------

I think leaving it up to personal choice is fine.... as long as those choosing to not wear one have ample personal insurance coverage to support the results of a crash. Basically as long as I don't have to support their stupidity by paying for somebody to empty their drool cup and change their diaper I don't care.

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patman

I think leaving it up to personal choice is fine.... as long as those choosing to not wear one have ample personal insurance coverage to support the results of a crash. Basically as long as I don't have to support their stupidity by paying for somebody to empty their drool cup and change their diaper I don't care.

To paraphrase a wise man I once read, "Your (potential) complaint is a problem of too much socialism, not too much freedom."

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic

One may have nothing to do with the other.

Didn't mean to imply that they did.

Posted by: Patman---------------------

I just wish it was all left to Darwin to sort out and I wasn't responsible for footing the bill

Posted by: BSWIFT---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patman

I just wish it was all left to Darwin to sort out and I wasn't responsible for footing the bill

Good point. Unfortunately for everyone(taxpayers) we pay for lots of peoples bad choices. Mountain climbers stranded on Mt. Hood, white water rapids enthusiats trapped in a hydraulic(whirlpool), private pilots that fly in bad weather, etc, etc. Singleing out motorcyclists permanently injured because they chose not to wear a helmet sounds good but it just discriminates against motorcyclists in general. Society has chosen to take care of those that can not take care of themselves, protect us from ourselves, and generally give entitlements to virtually everyone.
It is sad that all of this talk of helmets was brought about because of an overpaid football player that contributes, IMO, nothing for the betterment of society. His bad choice and illegal operation of a motorcycle puts undue scrutiny on our sport and will likely lead to further, more restrictive regulations and laws. Besides, didn't an automobile driver pull infront of this QB? Shouldn't they have to pay to take care of the injured rider? Remember the Gov. Jaklow(spl?)? He KILLED a motorcyclists and drove away. All he got was a slap on the wrist while a family had to bury a loved one. Did a helmet save this mans life? Probably didn't even make the police report whether he was or wasn't wearing a helmet(that statement is sarcastic) but it sure didn't bring national attention to the danger to motorcyclist that car and truck drivers present.

Posted by: DirtDawger---------------------

What is crazy is how arbitrary our loss of freedoms are. The actual true value to a society is never examined. The media just has to say it saves lives and high light a few tragic cases.

Seatbelt and helmet laws cost tax payers millions of dollars in legislation costs, enforcement costs, signage and advertising all to protect people from themselves. We say we are worried about taking care of some un-insured vegetables but how many of them are there compared to family's on welfare or your states version of Medicare or even worse just the ones defrauding the above two programs.

If you want to save lives outlaw buckets and bathtubs. They kill more people each year than seatbelts or helmets save.

Posted by: rickyd---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patman

WOuldnt this mean higher insurance rates for the rest of us?? I dont care if a person wears a helmet or not (i would if i rode street) i just dont want too pay higher bike prices due too lawsuits & higher insurance rates..

Posted by: Patman---------------------

Actually my wish for not being responsible for some idiots choice to do it their way applys across the board to all choices, I was just replying to the specific question. Yes I can suspect that insurance rates would increase but again I would prefer to not be responsible for others poor choices by paying more for my choices. I don't think there is a way to make it a perfect world situation but that would be my preference.

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Think its a good idea to wear a helmet?

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