Ironic and Sad...

[Ron in SoCal]

http://news.yahoo.com/motorcyclist-crashes-helmet-law-protest-dies-120444840.html

[70rs]

To each his own, but yeah ironic.

I wear one always. Too much to lose.

[Mkelcy]

Darwin Award winner?

[MoonMan]

Some laws are meant to help people from themselves...

[elitecustombody]

Ironic it is, but I don't think it should be a law, choosing to wear a helmet should be up to the rider IMO.

Kinda weird that I've been around Utica NY area since last Saturday,which is about an hour drive from Onondaga, visiting inlaws with the family,haven't seen many bikes period. Just got back from a 2-day trip to New York City and haven't seen that many bikes there either.

I'm glad I live in Florida, where we have a choice to wear or not to wear a helmet

[DRJDVM's '69]

I think it should be up to the rider.... Unless I have to pay all the medical bills... Which is what happens when the rider doesn't have insurance or is on some government subsidized medical plan.... Or ends up an invalid in some group home that is run with our tax $$. Guess who pays all those bills? The tax payer

I'm fine with people having the freedom to do what they want and take their own lives in their hands... That's their choice.... But don't expect me to pay for it when it hits the fan. You choose to take that risk and you are on your own

Same goes for seatbelt laws.... I could care less if you want you head to go through the windshield.... Just don't expect me to pay the bill

[wmhjr]

Ironic it is, but I don't think it should be a law, choosing to wear a helmet should be up to the rider IMO.


Pretty controversial subject with good reasons on both sides of the argument. I don't have a problem with a law allowing you to ride without a helmet so long as you sign a waiver that says that you and/or your family are personally liable for any resulting costs associated with a traumatic head injury, no matter what. No declaring bankruptcy, etc. And if you don't have the money or any assets to sell, you just don't get treatment. Then it's a real choice. I just think it's only fair. But that's just my opinion. Of course, when PA eliminated the legal requirement to wear helmets it cost me money personally right off the bat. My insurance company immediately dropped ALL motorcycle insurance in this state within 2 months for that reason. So, my premiums went up as I had to split up my insurance. I don't blame them either.

[elitecustombody]

Pretty controversial subject with good reasons on both sides of the argument. I don't have a problem with a law allowing you to ride without a helmet so long as you sign a waiver that says that you and/or your family are personally liable for any resulting costs associated with a traumatic head injury, no matter what. No declaring bankruptcy, etc. And if you don't have the money or any assets to sell, you just don't get treatment. Then it's a real choice. I just think it's only fair. But that's just my opinion. Of course, when PA eliminated the legal requirement to wear helmets it cost me money personally right off the bat. My insurance company immediately dropped ALL motorcycle insurance in this state within 2 months for that reason. So, my premiums went up as I had to split up my insurance. I don't blame them either.

I agree with you ,there should be some sort of waiver if you chose not to wear a helmet.

[214Chevy]

I always wear one. I don't even feel comfortable on my bike without a helmet and gloves. Depending on how hot it is here in Texas, I may not wear my jacket. But, I always wear long pants, my helmet and gloves. I don't care if I'm going 10 feet or 10 miles. I'm a firefighter/paramedic for the Dallas Fire Dept and trust me...I've seen more than my fair share of riders on the pavement looking like ground beef....both dead and alive. Not only that, I have to work on the alive ones that are barely living. Me personally, from that standpoint of what I do for a living, I think it should be a law. If seatbelts are a law for cars, so should be a helmet for motorcyclist.

[prudence12]

Oh God, save us from ourselves!

[Mkelcy]

Pretty controversial subject with good reasons on both sides of the argument. I don't have a problem with a law allowing you to ride without a helmet so long as you sign a waiver that says that you and/or your family are personally liable for any resulting costs associated with a traumatic head injury, no matter what. No declaring bankruptcy, etc. And if you don't have the money or any assets to sell, you just don't get treatment. Then it's a real choice. I just think it's only fair. But that's just my opinion. Of course, when PA eliminated the legal requirement to wear helmets it cost me money personally right off the bat. My insurance company immediately dropped ALL motorcycle insurance in this state within 2 months for that reason. So, my premiums went up as I had to split up my insurance. I don't blame them either.

While I understand and agree with the underlying sentiment - what to the EMT's do when they arrive on site? Is there a national database of riders who have signed waivers? How do they confirm identity? Do you really want EMTs looking for picture ID or a helmet before they render services?

Let's say they render emergency aid and transport to a hospital where identity and waiver status can be confirmed - what do they do with the rider who's signed a waiver - dump him in the parking lot?

No, it's much easier to ticket for not wearing a helmet - and if certain states want to underwrite the costs of treating riders who refuse to protect themselves, I guess that's their choice.

[Vegas69]

Riding a motorcyle without a helmet is like having sex without a condom. A way better experience but you better have your timing right. :D

It makes perfect sense that states require helmets and seat belts. It has been nailed by our analytical posse, it saves us ALL money. :thumbsup: