The government believes you are not smart enough to make your own decision whether to wear a helmet or not. Let lawmakers know you are able to make your decision.
Charles Willis - 13 years ago
This is a PS to my last comment - I am 64, have been riding since I was 15, that means before helmut legislation. I have never know a helmut to save anyones life, maybe you do, but all the States that surround us (OH. IN. IL. WI) have lower fatality rates than do we
Charles C. Willis - 13 years ago
How many of the nay votes ride a bike? If they haven't they shouldn't been allowed to vote or there should be a separate poll for those that know what the hell they're talking about.
Dan Connell - 13 years ago
I would like to know how many folks took this poll that don't ride motorcycles. It's about freedom of choice, I ride & probably will still wear a helmet. Other states such as Ohio have a no helmet law & there was no increase in head injuries. Those that took this poll that don't ride & don't understand should stay out of the mix, and learn how to drive a car & stop running over motorcyclists, I watch people every day doing the text & cell phones while driving. I watched a car run into the back of a semi today & smashed the complete front of the car all the way to the wind- shield "Most likely while texting" There are probably more accidents from texting than alcohol related accidents-Law enforcement should access the same penalties. PAY ATTENTION TO MOTORCYCLISTS WHEN YOUR DRIVING YOUR 4,000.LB. VEHICLE THAT MAY HELP CUT DOWN ON MOTORCYLE ACCIDENTS & INJURIES TO BIKERS. I have lost some close friends from cagers that were not paying attention and a biker lost their life.
Dave - 13 years ago
Having thoroughly researched this subject, I support repeal of the "crash helmet" law. The key to safe riding is education and training. The amount of training available & used has a direct, inverse relationship to the number of motorcycle accidents/injuries/deaths. There is no such correlation with mandatory helmet laws vs motorcycle accidents/injuries/deaths.
Helmets are designed to impact standards BELOW 15 MPH. Above that impact speed, helmets provide little chance of preventing closed head injuries. Helmets can & do provide abrasion protection.
During very hot weather conditions, helmets can cause the brain to overheat, leading to heat exhaustion, which slows a rider's ability to think clearly, remain alert & avoid accidents, in essence placing the rider in a condition of impaired riding, similar to having had an alcoholic drink, or several even. Better to be alert & avoid an accident than to be impaired & involved in an accident.
The law is 1) discriminatory; 2) ineffective; 3) until more recently, unenforceable due to the fact that the MSP never maintained & made available to the public, a list of approved "crash helmets" as provided in this law.
Helmets could effectively save MORE lives, LOWER public burden costs and REDUCE the number of closed head injuries if worn by CAR PASSENGERS, since roughly 1/3 of all car accidents result in closed head injuries and there are many, many more car accidents than motorcycle accidents.
Arguments that helmets save lives & should therefore be MANDATED USE can be applied even more strongly to the case for use in cars.
abe - 13 years ago
I never ride without a helmet but that is my choice. I don't need the law telling me what to do. How about everyone in cars wear helmets too. I am sure it will save one or two lives if that is the argument. I support the freedom of choice.
getalife - 13 years ago
If it’s safer to ride with a helmet, then every car should come equipped with a set of helmets so everyone can wear them. Where do the government regulations stop?
Fred - 13 years ago
First, helmits should be a choice for each of us to wear or not. Remember, our society was built on freedoms. Stop the constraints. Requiring higher insurance permiums are just another way for the insurance companies to make more money, this is stupid to be included as a requirement for passing the bill. Next thing you know they will want everyone to wear reflective vests even in daylight. Be smart and let the choice be a choice.
Would you make a raped woman have to go through child birth? ...........Choice!!!!!!!!!
Lady Rider - 13 years ago
As a rider I know and accept responsibilty for the risks that I choose to take and their possible consequences. Sometimes I wear a helmet and sometimes I don't. I carry insurance and I take training classes to keep my skills sharp. I am retired and I travel much of the year. I spend a good deal of money when I travel. My travel plans are usually made with the freedom to choose as a basis. With more states modifying their laws to allow adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet - I now have more choices when I make my travel plans. If you want my money it would be wise for you to consider the tourist dollars you could bring in to your state if you allow responsible adults to exercise their freedom of choice.
Anonymous - 13 years ago
The cost (to taxpayers and society) of un-helmeted riders is more than I want to pay. It's fine to say people should be allowed to choose -- if they're going to be the ones solely and independently paying for the cost of their subsequent traumatic brain injury care. If they're insured and in my health care plan, I want them wearing a helmet. If they're on medicare and my tax dollars are supporting their healthcare, I want them wearing a helmet. Otherwise, the costs are staggeringly high, and there's no justification for it.
ronburt - 13 years ago
Use common sense people.If they past the law it not as if you can't wear a helmet any more.Myself I will use a helmet.If someone wants to go without so be it.At 21 years old your big kids now,you know what's right.
colonel - 13 years ago
I wonder how many people that voted actually ride a motorcycle . I say when it comes tho the Helmet law let the riders decide. Sometimes I wear one sometimes I don't but at least where I live I have that choice.
Tophat - 13 years ago
I for one ride without a helmet in states its allowed. Yes I have been in accidents with a helmet on to. I've had some close calls 1) an idiot on cell-phone not paying attention, 2) a trucker falling asleep at the wheel, 3) a parent's head completely turned around addressing children in the back seat, 4) someone intoxicated and high in dream land. I've once been hit by a vechile running a stop light. Mind you ALL of these in Michigan. When I'm in a state with freedom of choice I feel much safer with or with-out a helment law. As for the response of Ins. I pay my own bills, you pay yours. Some of the previous responses must have come from Angles themselves, because I have a hard time believeing you have NEVER been one of those un-safe individuals who hasn't committed an unlawful act on the road. At least I pay attention to my surrondings and traffic. Some in a cage don't because they feel to safe in their over-sized hunk of metal, Why should you even care, about my choice to wear a helment or not. You probably don't even ride. For those that do, there not taking away your freedom of choice to wear one. So what's the problem. Maybe they could enforce stricter laws for the idiot's who get behind a wheel drunk and causes accidents and or possiably kills someone. Why are they even allowed to have a licence again? Helmetless in a safe state
Leo - 13 years ago
Who did you poll, the government official who smashed into me, after he ran a stop sign because he woke up late? Or did you call the mommy with 6 screaming kids, who doesn't even know that she just changed lanes. Or maybe you talked to the drunk who doesn't even know that there are lanes on the road. You MUST have talked to all the people who can't go to the store without using a cell phone. Non of these idiots should be allowed on the road, than I would not need a helmet, or a car with ten thousand dollars worth of air bags, etc.
endl - 13 years ago
I am OK with letting these people ride without helmets as long as the morons do not saddle us taxpayers with any healthcare costs. I do not want to pay a penny for broken limbs, head injuries or worse when these dimwits end up in emergency rooms.
Rob - 13 years ago
leave the politicians out of it and let them worry about bigger issues. it should be the riders choice. we are well aware of the consequences of an accident without a helmet. personally i will continue to wear my helmet simply because i do not want to end up a vegetable if i can possibly avoid it. on that note i wish everyone a safe ride.
edl - 13 years ago
i think its your choice but if you sustain injury without a helmet no insurance company should cover you.
e weliver - 13 years ago
If those w?o brains want to ride w?o helments They can ,but first They must cancell there health insurance, sign a form stating they are totly resonsible and that thay give up all rights for anyone to provide them with medical assistance.
Ugly - 13 years ago
I think its a personnel choice. Many people who think the helmet saves lives and is the answer, don't know what they are talking about. I'm 78 and have been riding for some time and its the cagers you have to look out for, using their cell phones. I'd use my helmet when I want and not use it when I want.
KB - 13 years ago
For those who don't ride a bike, why do you even care? Wearing helmets in cars would statistically save lives too, but I'm not going to support a law requiring everyone to wear a helmet in a car! I thought this was the land of the free and the brave!
Tracy - 13 years ago
Anyone who rides without a helmet is absolutely an idiot. I'm a rider and had one accident and without the full face helmet, I would have had a broken nose and lost some teeth - but instead I walked away with a scratched shield instead. I understand about the freedom of choice - believe me I feel our government pokes their noses WAY too much into what people can and cannot do....but the risks that are behind NOT wearing a helmet, make this issue one that I don't mind them budding in on. Sure I would LOVE to not wear a helmet when it is 90 degrees outside - but common sense prevails. I value my life and my family over going helmet free.
Scott - 13 years ago
How can the state inforce a seat belt law if it allowed motorcycle riders to opt out of using standard safety equipment? It wouldn't make logical sense. The argument proposal supporters make is that helmets should be an individual choice for adults; they assume their own risks. Well then, so should seat belts be a choice.
But we know is both cases lives will be are are saved. My own included - I hit my head hard on the pavement when I had to lay down my cycle. The helmet cracked, my head did not. Walked away with a minor concusion. It is really a public health issue, saving people from hurting themselves.
Cliffy - 13 years ago
Three (3) bikes in the garage, both the wife and I ride, would absolutely NEVER consider riding w/o a helmet!
Between the deer jumping in front of you (we live in the country), and all the cagers on cell phones, it's pure LUNACY to ride w/o a helmet!
Doug Osmond - 13 years ago
Nearly four years ago I crashed my motorcycle into a car that pulled out in front of me. I was thrown into the street and my helmeted head impacted the pavement hard enough to cause a concussion. I am alive and well today because of the helmet, according to at least three doctors who treated me. I just can't understand why anyone wants to take such a gamble with their life and not wear a helmet when biking. Take it from me, they work.
Steve - 13 years ago
Let them choose.
It is a great way for the gene pool to clean itself.
If they are stupid enough to leave the helmet at home, the likelihood of a fatal injury being sustained during an accident is far greater.
steve - 13 years ago
let it be a personal choice, why do the lawmakers have to take time out of their busy day to decide. The choice is ours. Not yours!
The government believes you are not smart enough to make your own decision whether to wear a helmet or not. Let lawmakers know you are able to make your decision.
This is a PS to my last comment - I am 64, have been riding since I was 15, that means before helmut legislation. I have never know a helmut to save anyones life, maybe you do, but all the States that surround us (OH. IN. IL. WI) have lower fatality rates than do we
How many of the nay votes ride a bike? If they haven't they shouldn't been allowed to vote or there should be a separate poll for those that know what the hell they're talking about.
I would like to know how many folks took this poll that don't ride motorcycles. It's about freedom of choice, I ride & probably will still wear a helmet. Other states such as Ohio have a no helmet law & there was no increase in head injuries. Those that took this poll that don't ride & don't understand should stay out of the mix, and learn how to drive a car & stop running over motorcyclists, I watch people every day doing the text & cell phones while driving. I watched a car run into the back of a semi today & smashed the complete front of the car all the way to the wind- shield "Most likely while texting" There are probably more accidents from texting than alcohol related accidents-Law enforcement should access the same penalties. PAY ATTENTION TO MOTORCYCLISTS WHEN YOUR DRIVING YOUR 4,000.LB. VEHICLE THAT MAY HELP CUT DOWN ON MOTORCYLE ACCIDENTS & INJURIES TO BIKERS. I have lost some close friends from cagers that were not paying attention and a biker lost their life.
Having thoroughly researched this subject, I support repeal of the "crash helmet" law. The key to safe riding is education and training. The amount of training available & used has a direct, inverse relationship to the number of motorcycle accidents/injuries/deaths. There is no such correlation with mandatory helmet laws vs motorcycle accidents/injuries/deaths.
Helmets are designed to impact standards BELOW 15 MPH. Above that impact speed, helmets provide little chance of preventing closed head injuries. Helmets can & do provide abrasion protection.
During very hot weather conditions, helmets can cause the brain to overheat, leading to heat exhaustion, which slows a rider's ability to think clearly, remain alert & avoid accidents, in essence placing the rider in a condition of impaired riding, similar to having had an alcoholic drink, or several even. Better to be alert & avoid an accident than to be impaired & involved in an accident.
The law is 1) discriminatory; 2) ineffective; 3) until more recently, unenforceable due to the fact that the MSP never maintained & made available to the public, a list of approved "crash helmets" as provided in this law.
Helmets could effectively save MORE lives, LOWER public burden costs and REDUCE the number of closed head injuries if worn by CAR PASSENGERS, since roughly 1/3 of all car accidents result in closed head injuries and there are many, many more car accidents than motorcycle accidents.
Arguments that helmets save lives & should therefore be MANDATED USE can be applied even more strongly to the case for use in cars.
I never ride without a helmet but that is my choice. I don't need the law telling me what to do. How about everyone in cars wear helmets too. I am sure it will save one or two lives if that is the argument. I support the freedom of choice.
If it’s safer to ride with a helmet, then every car should come equipped with a set of helmets so everyone can wear them. Where do the government regulations stop?
First, helmits should be a choice for each of us to wear or not. Remember, our society was built on freedoms. Stop the constraints. Requiring higher insurance permiums are just another way for the insurance companies to make more money, this is stupid to be included as a requirement for passing the bill. Next thing you know they will want everyone to wear reflective vests even in daylight. Be smart and let the choice be a choice.
Would you make a raped woman have to go through child birth? ...........Choice!!!!!!!!!
As a rider I know and accept responsibilty for the risks that I choose to take and their possible consequences. Sometimes I wear a helmet and sometimes I don't. I carry insurance and I take training classes to keep my skills sharp. I am retired and I travel much of the year. I spend a good deal of money when I travel. My travel plans are usually made with the freedom to choose as a basis. With more states modifying their laws to allow adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet - I now have more choices when I make my travel plans. If you want my money it would be wise for you to consider the tourist dollars you could bring in to your state if you allow responsible adults to exercise their freedom of choice.
The cost (to taxpayers and society) of un-helmeted riders is more than I want to pay. It's fine to say people should be allowed to choose -- if they're going to be the ones solely and independently paying for the cost of their subsequent traumatic brain injury care. If they're insured and in my health care plan, I want them wearing a helmet. If they're on medicare and my tax dollars are supporting their healthcare, I want them wearing a helmet. Otherwise, the costs are staggeringly high, and there's no justification for it.
Use common sense people.If they past the law it not as if you can't wear a helmet any more.Myself I will use a helmet.If someone wants to go without so be it.At 21 years old your big kids now,you know what's right.
I wonder how many people that voted actually ride a motorcycle . I say when it comes tho the Helmet law let the riders decide. Sometimes I wear one sometimes I don't but at least where I live I have that choice.
I for one ride without a helmet in states its allowed. Yes I have been in accidents with a helmet on to. I've had some close calls 1) an idiot on cell-phone not paying attention, 2) a trucker falling asleep at the wheel, 3) a parent's head completely turned around addressing children in the back seat, 4) someone intoxicated and high in dream land. I've once been hit by a vechile running a stop light. Mind you ALL of these in Michigan. When I'm in a state with freedom of choice I feel much safer with or with-out a helment law. As for the response of Ins. I pay my own bills, you pay yours. Some of the previous responses must have come from Angles themselves, because I have a hard time believeing you have NEVER been one of those un-safe individuals who hasn't committed an unlawful act on the road. At least I pay attention to my surrondings and traffic. Some in a cage don't because they feel to safe in their over-sized hunk of metal, Why should you even care, about my choice to wear a helment or not. You probably don't even ride. For those that do, there not taking away your freedom of choice to wear one. So what's the problem. Maybe they could enforce stricter laws for the idiot's who get behind a wheel drunk and causes accidents and or possiably kills someone. Why are they even allowed to have a licence again? Helmetless in a safe state
Who did you poll, the government official who smashed into me, after he ran a stop sign because he woke up late? Or did you call the mommy with 6 screaming kids, who doesn't even know that she just changed lanes. Or maybe you talked to the drunk who doesn't even know that there are lanes on the road. You MUST have talked to all the people who can't go to the store without using a cell phone. Non of these idiots should be allowed on the road, than I would not need a helmet, or a car with ten thousand dollars worth of air bags, etc.
I am OK with letting these people ride without helmets as long as the morons do not saddle us taxpayers with any healthcare costs. I do not want to pay a penny for broken limbs, head injuries or worse when these dimwits end up in emergency rooms.
leave the politicians out of it and let them worry about bigger issues. it should be the riders choice. we are well aware of the consequences of an accident without a helmet. personally i will continue to wear my helmet simply because i do not want to end up a vegetable if i can possibly avoid it. on that note i wish everyone a safe ride.
i think its your choice but if you sustain injury without a helmet no insurance company should cover you.
If those w?o brains want to ride w?o helments They can ,but first They must cancell there health insurance, sign a form stating they are totly resonsible and that thay give up all rights for anyone to provide them with medical assistance.
I think its a personnel choice. Many people who think the helmet saves lives and is the answer, don't know what they are talking about. I'm 78 and have been riding for some time and its the cagers you have to look out for, using their cell phones. I'd use my helmet when I want and not use it when I want.
For those who don't ride a bike, why do you even care? Wearing helmets in cars would statistically save lives too, but I'm not going to support a law requiring everyone to wear a helmet in a car! I thought this was the land of the free and the brave!
Anyone who rides without a helmet is absolutely an idiot. I'm a rider and had one accident and without the full face helmet, I would have had a broken nose and lost some teeth - but instead I walked away with a scratched shield instead. I understand about the freedom of choice - believe me I feel our government pokes their noses WAY too much into what people can and cannot do....but the risks that are behind NOT wearing a helmet, make this issue one that I don't mind them budding in on. Sure I would LOVE to not wear a helmet when it is 90 degrees outside - but common sense prevails. I value my life and my family over going helmet free.
How can the state inforce a seat belt law if it allowed motorcycle riders to opt out of using standard safety equipment? It wouldn't make logical sense. The argument proposal supporters make is that helmets should be an individual choice for adults; they assume their own risks. Well then, so should seat belts be a choice.
But we know is both cases lives will be are are saved. My own included - I hit my head hard on the pavement when I had to lay down my cycle. The helmet cracked, my head did not. Walked away with a minor concusion. It is really a public health issue, saving people from hurting themselves.
Three (3) bikes in the garage, both the wife and I ride, would absolutely NEVER consider riding w/o a helmet!
Between the deer jumping in front of you (we live in the country), and all the cagers on cell phones, it's pure LUNACY to ride w/o a helmet!
Nearly four years ago I crashed my motorcycle into a car that pulled out in front of me. I was thrown into the street and my helmeted head impacted the pavement hard enough to cause a concussion. I am alive and well today because of the helmet, according to at least three doctors who treated me. I just can't understand why anyone wants to take such a gamble with their life and not wear a helmet when biking. Take it from me, they work.
Let them choose.
It is a great way for the gene pool to clean itself.
If they are stupid enough to leave the helmet at home, the likelihood of a fatal injury being sustained during an accident is far greater.
let it be a personal choice, why do the lawmakers have to take time out of their busy day to decide. The choice is ours. Not yours!