To helmet or not to helmet (Georgia)

[easypete]

I know this has been beaten to death.... Georgia requires a helmet, but now there's something to think about.

This year, there will be a bill in front of the state congress that may modify the helmet law in Georgia. It looks like it may pass. You may be able to ride without a helmet if you meet one of 2 quailifications:

1. You have had a motorcycle license for 2 years.
- or -
2. You have taken the MSF course.

First off... I'm not too happy about #2. I've been around a few people that have taken this course, and wouldn't want to ride with them until they've had a few miles under their belt. I'm hoping that they will use their new found knowledge from the course and decide to wear a helmet... but the choice, in the end, will be theirs. I think there should be a time limitation on this as well... like maybe MSF course and 6 months w/ license.

From the time I turned 18 years old (many, many moons ago) I didn't wear a helmet on a motorcycle (except in cold weather) while in Kansas. I can't see myself riding w/o a helmet now. I say that, but then again, when I was in Illinois about 3 months ago, I rode my cousin's Ninja 1300 (with turbo kit) sans head gear, pushing well over 100+ mph. I didn't think twice about it. That's what scares me.

I enjoy the right to choose. I didn't like the helmet law when I moved to Georgia, but dang.... it's been a comfort thing not to have to think about it, or make the decision.

Maybe I'm just rambling. When I first heard of this, I was happy... Now, I'm a bit scared.

Has there been any states/provinces that repealed helmet laws recently? How did this impact people here (if they've had experience with this)?

Have there been people that moved from helmet law state to no-helmet law state? Do you still wear your helmet? What was the reason for your decision?

More than likely, I will still wear the helmet... traffic in the ATL would be no fun w/o... but there may be that out-of-town ride that may just sway me to the dark side.

- EP

[PENJO]

Hum, So who are you satisfying by the use of helmet, yourself or the public? Slam dunk!!! If the public is no factor then make yourself happy, wear your helmet!!

[easypete]

Originally Posted by PENJO

Hum, So who are you satisfying by the use of helmet, yourself or the public? Slam dunk!!! If the public is no factor then make yourself happy, wear your helmet!!

Oh... I'm about my satisfaction... I could care less about what others think.

But.... I ride a motorcycle for many reasons. One of which is the freedom. Ignoring the occasional bug and permanently disfiguring (and potentially fatal) accident, riding w/o a helmet is so much more.

[PENJO]

Originally Posted by easypete

Oh... I'm about my satisfaction... I could care less about what others think.

But.... I ride a motorcycle for many reasons. One of which is the freedom. Ignoring the occasional bug and permanently disfiguring (and potentially fatal) accident, riding w/o a helmet is so much more.

Well, It seems to me that the message is clear. I on the other hand, enjoy wearing my gear. It conveys a feeling of security. I am very new at riding again, and own three different helmets, two halves and a full face for the xpressway. I really enjoy the comfort of having my helmet on. Once on the go the breeze is abundant and pleasant. In fact annoying if too fast and no helmet. I don't like that buzzing jet stream in my ears when on a bike. I in fact think that the helmet is part of the whole attire and looks cool. But that is me. It is a bit weird I have a brand new C90T in sotrage and ride a volusia 800 from a friend to keep training until I take the MSF this coming Spring. So far so GREATTTTTTTT. I love the feeling of my Milwaukee leathers and my Boulevard helmets as well as the Nolan. It is prefenrece. Whaterver you do just YOUR SAFETY FIRST. Look into tomorrow to ride and enjoy it again and again to the best of your abilities.

Ride Safe!

[Trapper]

There must be some dummies in Georgia they want to weed out.

[Uechi Kid]

I also am an advocate of the right to choose. In California we haven’t had the right to choose for about fifteen years now. Before the helmet law I still wore a helmet, I just feel safer wearing one

[Trapper]

Choosy mom's choose Jiff.

[viper94bite]

there has been talk of a change in the helmet law here in NE. I think they were going to make it so if under 18 you had to and if over you have the choice. Not sure if it has passed yet or not. I'm wearing mine regardless.

[Trapper]

Smart choice, Ray. Helmet laws are for dummies.

[Fishpart]

No helmet required in Pa, pretty much the same requirements GA is looking at, I'm one that always beliveves in choice, the government regulates us to death as it is. My personal choice is to wear a helmet I don't think that will ever change. Also all studies say the first thing that gains cagers attention is the helmet that riders wear especially bright colors. When driving my truck I've taken a look at the study and find that in fact I do alway notice the bright helmets much more than those in black. When driving your cage take a moment to notice this and I think you'll be surprised.

[Louis]

I smell new Darwin Awards contenders...

[Trapper]

Originally Posted by Fishpart

the government regulates us to death as it is.

Irony - I would say a helmet law would be regulating you to Live.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by trappercase

Choosy mom's choose Jiff.

It's "Jif", and this choosy dad chooses it, too.

[Zuki Dude]

Wearing a helmet is second nature to me. I feel as one with the motorcycle rather than just riding on it. Ah, man and his machine. Your choice dude! As for me, I chose protection; same as I would protect my property, my family, my job ... would you leave all those out in the open unprotected? So as I would protect my life.

[arkieollie]

I prefer the freedom of choice. Here in Arkansas no helmet law but I wear one anyway. Government shouldn't force you to wear a helmet or put on a seat belt for that matter.

[BigD]

Everyone has the right to choose... and I choose Skippy over Jif.

[jackM50black]

I wear a full face helmet. I also drive an automobile with a windshield and doors made of steel instead of cardboard. I have an aversion to painful death or a life of lingering pain. I am one of those people who take reasonable and prudent steps to avoid pain and misery, and yet I ride and enjoy the exhileration that 50 cubic inches and two wheels provide. That's my choice. If Georgia repeals then you have your choice, the choice made by using your brain, the brain that depends on you using your best judgement.

[Scott58]

We don't have any helmet laws un indiana either, but a really hate getting hit in the cheek by a bumble bee at 70mph! I wear one about 95% of the time.

[old-n-slow]

In Florida there are bills coming to reintroduce a mandatory helmet law due to an increase in motorcycle injuries and deaths that have resulted in the residents footing most of the bills.

Personally, I don't care about safety laws, I'd rather act like a professional and do it correctly from the outset. Proper protection with proper comfort. That means a helmet that keeps the wind out of the eyes and ears and bugs and debris out of my teeth. Gloves that fit and protect from road rabble and nefarious insect life, proper foot gear to keep me from dropping the bike if I step in an oil slick at a stop light, and a jacket with armor in the right places and vents to control airflow to keep me comfortable.

The choice is already yours, laws don't mean diddly squat if you want to be a pro.......or a squid.

[Trapper]

My views are in my blog. Feel free to comment. I'm thick skinned.