I drive a scooter, weather permitting, and I love it. I’m looking to purchase my first motorcycle this summer, and I always wear my helmet.
Do I wear it because I think I should? Yes. Do I think people should have to wear them… no. I wear my helmet because I want to watch my kids and grandkids grow up and achieve things in life. Plus, they get very upset with me on the very rare times that I don’t wear it. I also wear a seatbelt for the same reason. Do I wear a seat belt because it’s the law? I suppose so, but it’s also my personal decision.
That having been said, I don’t think acceptable risk should be legislated. I agree that children should be in car seats and until you turn 18, you buckle up and wear a helmet, but what about after that?
I think each an every adult human being experiences life with their own level of risk. Do you climb mountains or scuba dive? You’ve accepted these activities into your life as acceptable risks. Are you a lumberjack? Do you drive a racecar? Do you jaywalk? If you do anything outside of sit quietly and let the world go by, you are taking risks. Heck, even sitting quietly for too long a period of time will cause you to maybe starve to death, unless you flaunt death by walking across the linoleum floor to the refrigerator.
I know that some people think that is it simply stupidity to ride without a helmet or seat belts, but to that I say it has nothing to do with intelligence. There is a different level of risk between driving a huge SUV and a Geo. There is a different level of risk between driving a Geo and driving a Motorcycle, and there is a different level of risk between driving a Motorcycle with a helmet and without. It all comes down to what you consider acceptable risk.
What do you think?
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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
If someone doesn’t want to protect their head (or for that matter wear leather and protect their skin) than what business is it of anyone else if they are a legal adult?
I wear my seat belt every time I get into a car but I can’t remember the time I jumped on a motorcycle and put a helmet on. I know it’s not safe but as an adult, it is my choice. I am insured and if something tragic happens my family knows to pull the plug. What more do I need to prepare for? I cna only hurt myself with this one.
When we get into the child issue though things get a little different. It angers me to no end to see a young child jumping around in a car. I have been know to get out at stop lights and walk up to a down window to explain to a child that their parents don’t love them. This never goes over well with parents but it does get the child’s attention.
Cruel? Sure. It’s a lot less cruel than letting your child who isn’t old enough to make an adult decision jump around in the back of your car. When the parents get angry I tell them that they are responsible for that child when he or she flies through the windshield and I will be sitting back enjoying their grief.
I am sure all of you do-gooder parents are going to attack but if you choose to put your child in harm’s way when they are that young it’s a only a matter of time before they grow up and realize that they don’t matter to you and start in on the crime and self destruction.
So sure-require it for children by law but there are things in life that adults can do that children can’t and buckling up or (not)wearing a helmet are just two of them. Let adults choose for themselves.
I have to agree, I hate to see child bouncing around in a car, or being held on someone’s lap.
When I was a kid, back before the dawn of recorded time, I remember lying in the back window of my mom’s car and being just happy and warmed by the sun. We never wore seat belts, I’m not even sure we had them, but my kids have always been strapped in, and so is my grandbaby.
It would be interesting to see stats from the last, oh… let’s say 50 years, as far as how the amount of child injuries and fatalities from car accidents has changed.
When individual (adult) decisions negatively impact society, society also has a duty to evaluate and limit that risk.
Riding a motorcycle/scooter without a helmet on a public street creates a substantial and foreseeable risk of head trauma in situations that are almost completely out of the control of the individual on the motorcycle/scooter, regardless of their (self-perceived) competence. Other than in the case of immediate death, that trauma is likely to inflict massive health-care costs.
These costs can easily reach to six or seven figures, and, even if insurance is involved, will have to be passed on to society either directly (e.g., indigent care when policy limits are exceeded) or indirectly (e.g., higher insurance premiums).
The alternative (i.e., not treating the victim) is, currently, unthinkable, and, in any case, a victim who is unconscious or in a coma can’t “opt out”.
Given that framework, and remembering that driving on public roads is a privilege, not a right, society has a duty to minimize harm to the many even if the few are discomforted.
Where that cost-benefit ratio determines the limitation to be is a matter for public debate. Some risks that potentially harm society are so low cost (or so infrequent) that we choose to absorb the risk.
But obviously MOST jurisdictions feel that idiots without helmets shouldn’t be allowed to take money out of other people’s pockets, just to feel the wind in their hair.
I think one of the major changes is that cars aren’t even made out of metal anymore. Make s minor accident a lot more dangerous for the passengers. I would also say the increased speeds pose a threat. Maybe the increase in the amount of cars on the road as well?
I grew up in the seat belt wearing era but spent a chunk of time riding around on the dirt roads in the South. I have to say that the biggest risk there is a beaver crossing in front of you. lol
I am not sure how to find fatality rates from that far back but I could do some research if you would like me to. I might have some free time coming up and if I remember, I will check it out.
I think in some ways the restriction on EVERYTHING a person can think of (by the government) may also have a lot to do with the paranoia as well. Hand sanitizer?…We hadn’t heard of such a thing when I was a young one eating ashes out of the fire pit. lol
I guess it’s true that as we get older, we remember the good ol’ days.
I would say that a DNR is opting out.
I pay for public roads and have for many years. I think I have the right to do on them what I please as long as I am not hurting anyone else. If that’s not a possibility, please direct me to a map of only private routes and I will begin using those roads for my commute to work.
I do agree that more restrictions make people more fearful, which is sad.
If someone is telling you you are always in danger, you can’t help but eventually believe it.
Great job BTW Alice.
I get adding all of the things up that you mention, and I see how careless I am all of the sudden.
I have been working on some SCUBA certifications, and even though Im not an avide SCUBA hobbyist, I know how many people die when SCUBA diving.
Hunting is also a scary sport/event. (some people see it as a sport, I just don’t see any fun in killing things.. Not to say I don’t hunt.) 100’s a year die from simply getting lost while in the woods each year.
I’ve gotten lost while hunting with my dad when I was a kid. It was terrifying when I couldn’t hear another human voice, and I was so little. But scouts and other children, as well as many adults die each year just by going into the woods and getting lost.
I like the notion of “acceptable risk”. It registers differently to each individual. Regulating acceptable risk is a tricky and expensive job.
But helmets is an interesting topic. Just like with SCUBA diving, I only ride every now and then. But I’ve never owned a helmet. I know a lot of dedicated bikers who are the same way.
I’ve only rode a bike less than a dozen times in my life. But Im in the market right now for a project bike. I want an Indian or a Harley from the 40’s, preferably an Indian. My older daughter wants to fix one up with me. We’ve been talking about it lately, and I think we’re going to do it next winter. But I will wear a helmet when that is finished, without a doubt. I’ve got a lot to live for, and I think about it every minute of my life.
I wouldn’t call getting scuba certified or hunting careless, I would call them both getting out and enjoying life.
And you’re very right, just taking a walk in the woods could end your life.
There are precautions that you take and necessary preparations for any of these activities that reduce the risk, but some risk is still there.
Aside from the current laws concerning wearing seatbelts and helmets, there is something else to consider. If you were involved in an accident with a person who had not been wearing their seatbelt or helmet, and their injuries were much worse (or they had died) than had they been wearing protective devices, how would you feel?
Where fault lay, if any, would be a legal matter, but outside of that, wouldn’t you be relieved that everyone involved had come out of the incident in better condition?
There is only so much in our control, but for me, I would not only appreciate the fact that my seatbelt or helmet protected me from worse harm, but had also done the same for the other person.
While I appreciate and respect everyone’s comments on this topic, I have to wonder if we are missing the bigger question. I know that riding a motorcycle without a helmet puts a person at greater risk. But the question is, who decides what level of risk is acceptable, and at what stage the government needs to step in?
The number one killer in the United States is stress, followed closely by heart disease. Do we need the government to legislate the amount of stress we can handle, or the foods we should eat? No.
We, as adults, make choices regarding our perceived risks every day.
Who among us is competent to decide what risks are acceptable for everyone. I, for one, believe that people should be allowed to find joy in their lives as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
So for those who ride and wear helmets, and for those who don’t, for those people who eat too much, or don’t, for anyone that ever makes a personal choice that not everyone would agree with, I say… enjoy, we only get this ride once.
“If you were involved in an accident with a person who had not been wearing their seatbelt or helmet, and their injuries were much worse (or they had died) than had they been wearing protective devices, how would you feel?”-Not my problem. I am cold like that I guess. I didn’t make the choice for that person. A child is a different story.
“enjoy, we only get this ride once.”-Agreed! I want to add that if you do choose to do anything that is not accepted by society, you accept the consequences. As an adult, you can make those decisions for yourself.
While I think it should be a personal choice whether or not to wear a helmet or buckle up, I have to think those men/women who refuse to wear helmets are being extremely selfish if they have a spouse and children. Choosing not to wear a helmet because you want to look cool and feel the wind in your hair is a pretty sad excuse for leaving your child/children without a mother or father when that day comes when you crack your head open and they loose a parent because some idiot pulled out in front of you. This recently happend to a couple in Blackfoot when a car pulled out in front of them and the man lost his life. They weren’t going very fast either and neither was Natasha Richardson who lost her life when she fell on a bunny hill and hit her head learning to ski. I’m a skier and I don’t wear a helmet when I hit the slopes. That’s a personal choice and I’ve fallen and hit my head before, but at the same time I don’t have children that I will leave without a parent if I do happen to loose my life.
I don’t think it should be up to the government to dictate whether you should wear a helmet or not, but I think it’s pretty stupid for people not to if they have a family that loves and depends on them.
I would compare it to smoking or drinking. These are personal choices that a an adult makes. I wouldn’t heckle someone about being fat or smoking. What business is it of mine if they don’t wear their seatbelt or helmet?
The only exception to this would be if they were riding with me. Then they must respect my wishes (to wear their seatbelt or helmet) or get out.
I skydive regularly without a parachute. I’m just that hardcore.
Ya’ll have to just up and accept that some people are hardcore enough to push away seemingly necessary safety equipment. Get over it.
This is a serious subject. Do you guys really think the government should have a hand in these things? I think it takes away personal choice and responsibility.
I may have introduced my thought with a silly statement, but I was serious in the second line.
It’s a personal choice as an adult, bottom line. And currently Idaho legislation supports that…so what is there to discuss? Seems to me like somebody just wanted to start a fight.
“And currently Idaho legislation supports that”–Getting a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt is supporting personal choice and responsibility? You can’t force one to be responsible.
Helmets sir, helmets.
Failed to realize that seat belt laws were being discussed as well.
I see.
I think Alice just wanted to know everyone’s thoughts on the subject. I don’t think anyone was arguing. Maybe you misunderstood some of the posts?
Bottom line, I don’t think it should be up to the govt to make people wear seatbelts or wear helmets. It should be a personal choice.
True story.
Good to see you back Marcus, and I liked your skydiving line lol.
I’m not positive, but I have heard that “they” are working on legislation to require everyone to wear helmets on motorcycles. Someone here would probably know more about that than I do.
And I still hold that it should be a personal choice. Every choice we give away to the government is just that, another choice that we’ve given away. Where does it end?
I haven’t heard about any new motorcycle safety legislation, but what we already have gives the freedom of choice to adults and a requirement to wear a helmet to minors.
What do you guys think about requiring your passenger to wear a helmet or seat belt? Do you think that’s crossing a line?
Personally I think it’s fine if you are the one driving or it is your car.
I think if you are the one driving, you have every right to request that your passenger respect your wishes to wear a helmet or seatbelt. If they are going to get upset over something that simple, I guess they can find another ride.
The seatbelt one is easy, everyone wears one. My son found that out the hard way a couple of weeks ago with a double ticket because neither he or his friend were wearing their seatbelts.
Expensive lesson.
That’s no fun.
Nope, but I bet he’s wearing his seatbelt
I’m not really that crazy about paying the gov’t to babysit me even more. While I agree that a DNR is pretty obvious statement of one’s wishes – there will be the idiots that fail to wear a helmet, get in an accident, don’t have a DNR – and will still need to be supported at state expense. Since we can’t give ‘responsibility’ tests along with the license – motorcycle helmet laws really don’t actually fix that problem. I knew a fellow that refused to wear a helmet, and was killed (not his fault) in SLC. However, since he was driven into the vehicle ahead of him by the one behind him, and ended up pinned between the 2 pick-ups, the lack of a helmet had a rather minimal effect on the extent of his injuries.
Motorcycles are a light soft-shell vehicle – in a collision with a bigger, heavier vehicle – the light loses – mini-cooper v. dump truck – doesn’t matter if the mini-cooper driver wears or doesn’t wear his seat-belt, or whether he caused the accident or not – he’s likely dead no matter what – simple physics, and you can’t legislate away physical laws, despite the attitude in our legislators sometimes.
One thing that really bothers me is when drivers feel the need to get right up to the tail end of a motorcycle as if to show superiority. I am not sure why this happens, but in Idaho Falls, I see it all of the time. Are we (as drivers) still suppose to allow at least a car length? What about etiquette when driving near a motorcyclist?
I’ve noticed that too Base and it DRIVES ME NUTS. Like it’s not hard enough to be aware of stupid drivers they have to deal with pushy drivers as well
Add that to the drivers who feel they need to pass the little girl on the scooter to show their superiority… wow, kinda sad.
And yes, I’ve noticed the “following too closely” gene is quite prevalent here, whether on my scooter or in my car.
Sorry people, you’re not going to mentally make me speed so you can get your latte 4 seconds sooner… breathe for hell’s sake.
I’m curious about what happened during that week in April during which law enforcement was supposed to crack down on aggressive driving. Did anything come of that, has anyone heard?
Good point. I personally didn’t notice and more or less people being pulled over during that time. I wonder if anyone in law enforcement could give us some input.
From what they’ve been advertising lately, it’s now seatbelt crackdowns. Can an officer pull you over for merely not wearing your seatbelt or do they need another reason. From what I’ve heard in the past they need another reason, but is that still the case? I guess they could always come up with a reason if they were so inclined. I’ve had officers pull me over and tell me I had a tail-light out before but when I checked later there was nothing wrong with my lights.
Seat belts are important, and i admit that I do not always where mine, but my children do. At least when they are riding with me, but when my son is on the school bus, he does not have that option. Can someone please tell me why the rules are different for school buses.
The tailgating of motorcycles is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with more aggressively. The IFPD was targeting tailgaters last year but it only lasted a few days. They wrote lots of tickets for not following the 2 second rule. I haven’t noticed much difference in the stupidity levels however. The tailgaters are still out in force and seem oblivious to everything else on the road. It bugs the hell out of me when I’m on a bike since I can stop several seconds faster than they can.
And what’s with all the soccer moms in mini vans trying to wipe out bikers by making left turns directly in front of them?? This has happened to me more times than I can count.
But I still think helmets should be a personal choice except for juveniles and beginning riders. There are lots of newbies on bikes that are far too big for them and some that don’t appear to have any natural riding ability. After, say 5 years of riding experience THEN you can maybe decide you don’t need a helmet. Until then it’s just plain stupid.
I agree, Cafe. People really need to watch more for bikes. Train yourself, do whatever you have to do but SEE THEM.
The worse the economy and gas prices get, the more likely it will be that someone you care about is on that bike or scooter you pull out in front of. (hey, if that’s what it takes for people to look… )
Malory, I think the lack of seatbelts on busses is probably a combination of “it’s always been that way” and the time factor involved in buckling and unbuckling that number of children and monitoring the whole trip twice a day. And before I get jumped on for that one, I’m not saying I agree with it, I’m just saying that’s probably the reason.
I think the cost has got to be a big factor as well. Retrofitting all of the nations school buses with seatbelts would be a huge cost and with most school districts across the country already hurting for funds, I don’t think it’ll happen for awhile. The good part is, school buses are so big most occupants don’t get hurt in bus accidents unless they actually roll over and that doesn’t happen very often. No consulation I know, just thinking.