(06-06-05) Helmet Laws

[Trapper]

Would you support mandatory rider training?

[Trapper]

I read your link, although informative, there is nothing in there about the helmets no longer reduce head injuries, which is what I meant.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by trappercase

Would you support mandatory rider training?

No, I would not. I would support much higher testing standards for motorcycle licenses, and I would support graduated licensing that would allow you to ride the class of bike on which you passed the test. If you got a larger bike, you would have x amount of time to upgrade your license to cover that class of bike.

I do not think that passing the BRC really shows enough skill to recieve a license to ride a Hayabusa or a Triumph Rocket 3.

What do you think motorcycle manufacurers would think of my opinion?

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by trappercase

I read your link, although informative, there is nothing in there about the helmets no longer reduce head injuries, which is what I meant.

That is my point, there is no recent data and motorcycling is so different now in the U.S. (and I think Canada, please jump in if you think this a bad assumption) than it was in 1979. There are many factors involved in safety, and I think focussing on helmets to the exclusion of everything else (which I am not accusing you of doing, but some organizations are guilty) is doing a disservice to the motorcycling community.

[Trapper]

Isn't it their CHOICE to ride whatever they like? Just playing devil's advocate.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by trappercase

Isn't it their CHOICE to ride whatever they like? Just playing devil's advocate.

Yep, no problem. Free choice. They do have to prove their ability to ride it to be licensed though, if they want to ride it out on the streets and not cause accidents through sheer inability. Get that Boss Hoss 502ci through the cones. Let me watch!

To get a drivers license, I have to pass a driving test on the streets, in real traffic with stop signs, other vehicles, etc. To get an M license, I have to ride around a few cones at low speed in an empty flat parking lot - and I can use a 100cc scooter if I want to, even though I will be riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. I guess I see low licensing standards as a much bigger problem than helmet laws, so I am bringing that up to change the subject. Maybe that is a weak debate technique - that is really a seperate topic.

I'll just say I agree with you that wearing a helmet is good, and disagree with you about helmet laws. I'm good with that, and I even respect your point of view.

[Trapper]

[vr4wolf]

Pro Helmet

Pro Helmet Law

[Mavman]

Pro helmet anti law.

[ZukiChaos]

Another PA rider with the same thoughts:

Originally Posted by mark

PA's helmet law was repealed last year, while you can still get an additional 30 bucks tacked on to your speeding ticket for not wearing a seat-belt in a car....I am anti-helmet law, as there are too many law's out there to "protect" you. People should be accountable for their own actions and I would rather spend my tax dollars having the police go after real criminals. (steppin off my soap box now)

+1

[dallasfan971]

i picked that i don't care because i look at like the seatbelt law. if you are over 18 it should be your choice to wear or not but under 18 should be mandatory. oh by the way i always wear a helmet even in CT.

[ZukiChaos]

The mandatory seatbelt law is a good idea. As a stupid 17 year old I crashed a car and my face hit the steering wheel...6 teeth replaced later I ALWAYS wear the seatbelt, and after the law was passed it made me easier to convince others to do the same.

Has far as training...I like how PA says wait 2 years OR go through training. If you pass you don't have to wear a lid. I bet all the folks who go through training are more likely to wear their helmets because we are more aware of the danger of not wearing one. I voted I don't care because this law seems fair to all...but I am def. Pro Helmet.

[Trapper]

Originally Posted by ZukiChaos

The mandatory seatbelt law is a good idea. As a stupid 17 year old I crashed a car and my face hit the steering wheel...6 teeth replaced later I ALWAYS wear the seatbelt, and after the law was passed it made me easier to convince others to do the same.

Has far as training...I like how PA says wait 2 years OR go through training. If you pass you don't have to wear a lid. I bet all the folks who go through training are more likely to wear their helmets because we are more aware of the danger of not wearing one. I voted I don't care because this law seems fair to all...but I am def. Pro Helmet.

How can you be pro seatbelt law, but you don't care about helmet laws? Just wondering.

[ZukiChaos]

I clearly stated at the end that I am Pro Helmet...If there was a choice in the poll that stated...Pro Helmet, Pro Choice--I would have voted for that. I guess I just want some guidlelines for potential idiots (less experienced, less knowledgeable). Make sense?

[Trapper]

Makes sense for sure. I just thought you would feel the same about seatbelts. Pro seatbelt - pro choice. However you "clearly stated" that you think mandatory seatbelt laws are a good idea.

[mudbomber]

I'm in microbiology and spend some time in hospitals. Trust me, nothing like seeing some die because they didn't wear their helmet while riding a bicycle at 5 mph so imagine your bike. Save your head, ride another day.

[nhoel]

I've had a lot of encounters on the road where my helmet saved my face from rocks flying off the road and hitting my faceshield... Helmets save lives!!!

[Pinhy]

damn...i voted dont care but really i am anti-legislation......let people do what they want. thats what i dont care about.

[Uechi Kid]

I don't push the issue either way. In California we have to wear helmets. But, I was wearing one before it became mandatory. It saved me once. But you do as you State or conscience tells you to.

[stevek]

Wear a helmet all the time, don't need the government to tell me to. Seatbelt laws are different. Some kids in cars need laws to protect them from their idiot parents.