How do you feel about helmet laws?
By shovmama
@shovmama (31)
United States
October 3, 2007 2:11pm CST
Most states have some form of a helmet law. I live in a state that doesn't (yet) but they keep trying to pass one. I don't wear a helmet, I can't stand them. I think they block your peripheral vision and also make it harder to hear what's going on around you. How many wrecks have been avoided by catching another car out of the corner of your eye? Try looking out of the corner of your eye with a helmet on. I agree with having to wear a helmet if you're under 18 or even 21. Otherwise, it should be a personal decision. If I want to take the chance of wrecking with no helmet on, that's MY decision. What gives the government the right to make that choice for me? I know the hazards and the statistics, but I'm an adult capable of making my own choices about something that affects ME. Now, there are peoople out there that wonder why you have to wear a seatbelt (myself included) but no helmet. Let me just say, I feel the same way about the seatbelt laws. If I want to take those chances by not wearing one, it's my own damn fault if I get hurt. Under 18, absolutely!! But I am an adult with the ability to think for myself. I don't need the government to do it for me!!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
4 Oct 07
I've been a passenger on quite a few motorcycles and our state does have the helmet law. I have to say as much as I don't like wearing one I think I would even if it wasn't a law. The government is only trying to protect us.
@nextattempt (9)
• United States
29 Oct 07
I am against helmet laws for two reasons;the first because I do not need government officials or anyone else making personal choices for me that empower the extortion of my money or liberties and secondly because,although at high speeds I do wear a helmet there are times on city roads at low speeds of 45 mph wear it is too hot to wear one and I do not see the danger in not wearing the helmet;on the interstate or in heavy trucking traffic where the danger of rocks spitting out from the tires I definately want to wear a helmet,but that should be my choice;I am pro helmet but anti law
@jayperiod (870)
• United States
19 Oct 07
I couldn't imagine riding without one. The chances of a wreck are far too great to take those kind of chances. I have a family that would have to either bury me or pay the hospital bills.
I have never had a problem with peripheral vision wearing a helmet. The helmets these days are designed to help that. I actually find it easier to hear sometimes as the wind noise is blocked by the helmet so that I can hear important sounds.
Remember, too, that your decision does not only affect you, but every rider in your state. States without helmet laws have higher insurance premiums. The insurance companies take your risk and spread the wealth, so to speak. Why should I, as someone who wears one, pay higher premiums because you choose not to.
Finally, don't forget that state health insurance funds suffer when people don't wear helmets. Louisiana reinstated their helmet law when they saw significant rises in payouts for injuries. They even had a law requiring coverage, but a great number of those riding without had none.
