I don't ride motorcycles. I've never had the desire. But if I did ride a motorcycle, I would wear a helmet. Not because someone told me that I had to, but because it would protect my brain which (anyone that's ever seen me play sports will agree) is nearly my only asset. That's one of the things that I love about Texas. When I get on a motorcycle it'll be my choice as to whether or not I wear a helmet.
I think it should be the same in a car. Why should I have to wear a seatbelt? If I'm not wearing one and I get injured, why should that be the government's responsibility? Now, I understand that insurance premiums for others and the police having one more reason to pull over suspicious vehicles are the real drivers behind the seat belt laws, but they still run contrary to my notions of personal liberty. That's why I was most interested in an article today discussing motorcycle helmet laws:
http://www.nbc5i.com/automotive/14096364/detail.html?rss=dfw&psp=nationalnews
The federal government (NTSB) wants to mandate helmet laws in all states. Unfortunately, their best argument for enacting the laws is that it prevents fatalities and serious injury. If only they had a compelling reason, then maybe the motorcycle riders would listen.
Since they don't, the motorcycle riders have countered the argument by questioning the ability of a helmet to prevent injury and saying, "If a truck pulls out in front of you and runs a stop sign, how is that helmet going to prevent an accident?" They also noted that since helmet laws have been reduced or removed that there are more motorcycle riders on the roads.
You saw above that when I try to think of reasons to ride without a helmet, I can't come up with anything better than the fact there are more motorcyclists now than in the past and the fact that a helmet won't prevent a wreck. I mean, if you're going to be in a wreck either way, what difference does the helmet make? And if everyone is riding without helmets, why not me, too?
You gotta love it. Just trying to respond to the government makes the NTSB's case.
