As a motorcycle enthusiast, I feel it is about time that we take a clear and unbiased look at the current restrictions regarding wearing motorcycle helmets. Clearly, with the increase in gasoline prices riding street bikes to work will become more and more prevalent over the next few years.
A quick review reveals that as of today: There are 20 states that have laws requiring that all riders, passengers included, must wear helmets. There are 27 states that have laws that usually either require those under 18 or passengers to wear helmets and then there are Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire that do not have helmet laws.
Bottom line, if you are lucky enough to live in one of the 3 states above you will be stuck wearing a helmet--- for sure if you are under 18.
Let us review the real facts. It is more risky to ride a motorcycle on streets and highways then driving a car, albeit the major reason is that car drivers do not look or take the time to look for riders. With that said there is an increase in Motorcycle accidents over the past 10 years. Again, this is partially because there is an even higher increase in motorcycle riders over the past 10 years. Comparing those states without laws for helmets to those with helmets reveals that there is a anywhere from a 20-35% decrease in deaths related from motorcycle accidents. Let be clear, there is no way of knowing the difference in death from not wearing a helmet and those that are so critically injured that they would want to be dead even though they wear a helmet. OK, so helmets do work. All statistics point in that direction, however, we do need to speak about other issues and the reason why a majority of states have WEAKENED (yes, that is right WEAKENED) their existing motorcycle helmet laws.
Freedom of choice! Is there really a price you can put on this (sure, as some would say it's a life—but for goodness sakes it is your life). Upon further review, the amount of accidents involving motorcycles has been about the same after you factor in the growth of rider ship over the past 10 years. Amazing enough, there has been NO decrease or increase in deaths when the accident involves automobiles. Clearly, the increase or decrease in deaths is only with the motorcycle rider. Is it not our choice to choose what type of risk we are or are not willing to take?
I would like to know your thoughts and will be posting new information on helmets, helmet laws, and should you live in the 47 states that require helmets, for now, what type of helmet you should buy. The passion for me is clear--- I enjoy riding and would like to pass on any information that I can garner to the new riders that are learning that riding is economical, easy and most of all FUN.
