Do you wear a helmet? Your choice?

[kismaokole]

State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets.

Troopers say Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars.

He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Troopers say Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

[tobor9]

I do,I also ware seat belts but I don't like laws requairing them,it should be up to each driver.

[taggtr]

After a road incident a few months back I'm glad I had my helmet on while riding my Spyder RT. Was riding on a road doing 45 mph and a truck was coming the other way. As we passed each other a huge rock flew up from the truck and struck the side of my helmet knocking my head back with the force. It was freaking nuts and scary! If I wasn't wearing a helmet I truly believe I wouldn't be here right now.

[Saluda]

Always, it being a law is OK with me.

[NancysToy]

Always, it being a law is OK with me.

I couldn't have said it better.

[stormtrooper]

+ better to be safe than sorry.

[Questions]

I aggree. I have two and switch back and forth depending on the mood

[CJ/johnnyg]

Always, But I think it should be your choice, If you want to be an idiot so be it. That is what America is suppose to be about FREEDOM

[cjackg]

Always, But I think it should be your choice, If you want to be an idiot so be it. That is what America is suppose to be about FREEDOM

I totally agree.... there is way to much gov meddling in our lives when there are many things they should be doing instead!

[Magnum Force]

Exactly, freedom of choice not control with lots of laws lots of which are rearely enforced. Wearing a helmet should be a choice for experienced licensed drivers of a certain age. Child passengers and new drivers should wear them. Just my opinion of course.

[NorthStar]

Any person who chooses to operate a motorcycle without a helmet would be required to carry life and disability insurance that will cover the medical costs of caring for a a brain injured person for as long as that person will survive. I am sure an insurance company actuary could come up with the relevant premium for such coverage.

This solution does have a flaw of course. The police would have to set up motorcycle checkpoints to make sure helmet less riders have the appropriate coverage.

Maybe it is just easier to obey helmet laws. Less intrusive

[Bob Denman]

I've always worn a helmet and always will... but I don't like the State trying to legislate what simply is a common sense issue. Same thing with seat belts and not running with scissors!
My Missus is a transplant patient (Thankfully!!! ) so when we see bikers without helmets the inevitable thought that crosses MY feeble mind is: "Yeah... Thanks!" (and I know that's horrible! )

[wyliec]

I totally agree.... there is way to much gov meddling in our lives when there are many things they should be doing instead!

And, what about cell phone usage when driving? Should you have a freedom of choice there to kill others on the road?

A few years past there was a fire marshall in my neck of the woods who was texting and ran into a bicyclist and killed her. It was strange, no fines, no loss of license. Some laws need to be stricter and applied equally.

[DynamoBT]

I do, and always will. But, it isn't the law in NH. Our state motto is "Live free or die". I think that's the way it should be.

[Bob Denman]

I think that we all agree that there's a distinct difference here... Helmet use (or dis-use!) will only kill or injure the operator...Not paying attention to what's in front of you in the road however...
That's a shame about the bicyclist, but it's probably best saved for another thread...

[bullant12]

I do,I also ware seat belts but I don't like laws requairing them,it should be up to each driver.

Always, But I think it should be your choice, If you want to be an idiot so be it. That is what America is suppose to be about FREEDOM

Exactly, freedom of choice not control with lots of laws lots of which are rearely enforced. Wearing a helmet should be a choice for experienced licensed drivers of a certain age. Child passengers and new drivers should wear them. Just my opinion of course.

In my opinion... laws like these are a catch 22. Sure, we should have a right and freedom to be idiots if we wanted to, but groups supporting an issue have been strong enough to create laws like helmet and seatbelts obligations because individuals have some sort of experience (themselfs or a relative no longer alive because of no seatbelt/helmet) related. And governments as a group see themselfs obligated to create these laws to avoid public fiascos and gain votes.

[FANG]

I always wear mine -- been in the medical field for 37 yrs now and I have seen too many brain injuries patients over the years. What I don't understand is why anyone thinks it should be an option????

[boborgera]

I always wear a full face helmet, not because the Gov says so, but because it's the least i can do to protect the public from having to look at my ugly face' All kidding a side i wear it because i feel its the right thing to do. As far as if you don't wear a helmet you pay for your medial, Why not go all the way ; You go hiking and get lost, and you don't have the proper gear you pay for your rescue, Go across the ocean solo to set a record, and get in trouble you pay for the rescue, and also the fact that your putting others in danger coming to your rescue. And the rescuers aren't even going to make money off a book your going to write about it.

[arntufun]

Although I truely belive it should be a choice of the rider, I wear a full face because eating bugs or them smacking your face at 65 mph sucks.

I would love not to wear a helmet putting around town at 30 mph but the law says I can't.

[Mr. White]

I wear a FF. Have always worn a helmet since I started riding in 1948. We did not have helmets where I lived so I wore a football helmet. I got lots of laughs until one of my friends spread some of his brain matter on a curb when he hit.

[OldDog]

Its your choice. I have two, a full face and an open face helmet. I ALWAYS wear mine. I always wear my seat belt, too, when driving my car. To me its just common sense.

[3Willie]

I got ran off of a bicycle trail into to a bunch of rocks while riding my mountain bike. (Yes I know this is about motorcycle helmets.) I broke my right elbow really badly and now have a plate and scars for proof. My wife made me promise her that I would wear a helmet while biking so thanks to her, I had it on. The helmet was badly broken but my noggin was ok. From the damage showing on the helmet, I may not have survived or at least would have been more badly injured. This was all at a speed about 12-13 mph. The rest of my body took a severe beating and I still am awed by the photos. I decided not to post any photos since they are pretty gross. If it would help, I can post a couple.

Bottom line is that even though the Spyder is less likely to tip over, a helmet will help protect you only if worn. I will be wearing mine for sure. You really are wearing the helmet for your family as much as yourself.

[Dragonrider]

It's the law here, but not in many places where I ride. I wear a half helmet (w/muffs whe cold), or FF, IF I am forced to ride in bad weather.

Wearing one, or not should be my choice - phone & texting while operating machinery doesn't need a law, it requires an IQ over 10.

[Bootie]

Any person who chooses to operate a motorcycle without a helmet would be required to carry life and disability insurance that will cover the medical costs of caring for a a brain injured person for as long as that person will survive. I am sure an insurance company actuary could come up with the relevant premium for such coverage.

This solution does have a flaw of course. The police would have to set up motorcycle checkpoints to make sure helmet less riders have the appropriate coverage.

Maybe it is just easier to obey helmet laws. Less intrusive

[Magnum Force]

And, what about cell phone usage when driving? Should you have a freedom of choice there to kill others on the road?

A few years past there was a fire marshall in my neck of the woods who was texting and ran into a bicyclist and killed her. It was strange, no fines, no loss of license. Some laws need to be stricter and applied equally.

TEXTING isn't the same issue! That is a safety issue like drunken driving. A person not wearing a helmet isn't going to cause someone to hit me head on. That is comparing apples to oranges here. The only safety issue with not wearing a helmet is to the person who decides not to wear one! I also agree about the liability insurance. Others shouldn't have to pay for someone elses choice.