ALT-8 Motorcyclists should always Wear Helmets – Disagree
Motorcyclists should Always Wear Helmets
I have been a motorcycle rider since the mid eighties. I have logged many miles both on and off road. I always wear a helmet any time I leave my own yard on a motorcycle. In all my years of riding, I have never had an accident where my helmet had to perform its function of protecting my head. I realize however, that someday my good luck may run out and my helmet may save my life or reduce serious injury. Therefore, I will continue to wear it whenever I ride.
Should the law require every motorcyclist to wear a helmet? In my opinion, no it should not. You see, I believe in a free country, with as little government control as necessary. How many people know something is bad for them (smoking or drinking, for example) yet do it anyway? In a free country, you have the right to make your own decisions even if they are not considered the safest or smartest.
The line must be drawn if you are endangering others, but an adult deciding to ride without a helmet endangers no one else. Some people find a helmet restrictive to their vision or too much of a hassle to wear. Others think they look more "macho" riding without a helmet.
I personally do not agree with these arguments as the risk does not out way the reward. In other words, showing off you bare head on a cycle is not worth the risk of what your head might look like after an accident without a helmet. But I still believe everyone should have the choice.
I liken helmet laws to seat belt laws. I know in most accidents you are safer wearing a seat belt, however, if it was not the law I would not wear mine. I find it restrictive and uncomfortable. When I reach for something it makes it difficult to move freely and in my opinion actually raises slightly the possibility of having an accident. I would rather not have the accident in the first place instead of depending on the seat belt to protect me during it.
I live in Minnesota. We have a mandatory seat belt law but are free to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. How logical is that? Instead of ever passing a helmet law, I wish lawmakers would abolish the seat belt law. Adult drivers are exactly that. Adults. We are not six years old and I think we can make our own decisions as to what safety devices we choose to incorporate in our daily commute. Our government has enough things to worry about without being concerned as to whether or not I'm wearing an extra pound of polycarbonate on my head when I ride my motorcycle.
