ALT-9 Motorcyclists should always Wear Helmets – Disagree
Many people in the world today look down on anyone who rides a motorcycle. The see us as a rebellious group of people who think we are above the law and have bad attitudes. They view us as reckless and careless. The fact that some of us do not wear helmets just adds fuel to the fire for those people out there that for one reason or another hold a grudge against those of us who ride. They believe that, by not wearing helmets, we are just defying the law once again and revealing our rebellious nature. This is another myth created by society.Let me start off by stating that I do own a D.O.T. Certified helmet. I wore that helmet religiously during my period that I was required to under the law. I wore it as I was learning how to ride a motorcycle and the proper way to handle one. Now, I have made the personal choice, not to wear the helmet.I have known people who have lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. Some wore helmets, while some did not. The fact of the matter is, a helmet on your head in no way guarantees that you will walk away from a motorcycle accident. Does it increase your chances? Sure it does. Part of riding a motorcycle is being free from the restraints of a car or other typical vehicle. You get to feel the wind around you, hear sounds that you would miss every time while in your family sedan. By not wearing a helmet, this adds to the feeling of freedom I have while riding.For those of you that do not ride a motorcycle but criticize the riders that do not wear helmets, Let me ask you a few questions.1. Do you wear your seat belt at all times in your vehicle?2. Do you always look in every direction twice to make sure that there are no motorcycles or other small vehicles coming?3. Do you give your full attention at every red light that you approach?4. Do you never try to turn in front of an oncoming vehicle while not knowing their exact speed as they approach you?It is a fact that many motorcycle accidents are caused by "normal" citizens who drive around in a typical car or SUV. Yet they are the same people who criticize riders for not wearing helmets. I believe it is unfair for a person who pulls directly in front of a motorcycle, causing an accident, to criticize the cyclist for not wearing a helmet. Why not criticize the driver of the larger vehicle for not being a responsible driver?The fact is that whenever I step onto my motorcycle to drive anywhere, I know I am at risk. No matter how careful I am, other drivers will not give me the luxury of being as careful. As long as the law does not require it, I will continue to not wear a helmet and enjoy the feeling of freedom I get. There is no feeling in life greater than that of being on my bike on a sunny day without a care in the world. Do I risk my life by not wearing a helmet? Yes. I also give myself a greater feel of joy in the life I am living. If I am not enjoying my life to the fullest, and instead always worrying about safety, when will I have any feeling of joy? I leave you with a final word of wisdom, No matter what you choose as your method of transportation, or what safety methods you choose to use during your route of transit, please be careful out there and watch out for everyone. Motorcycle or Car, it does not matter, we should all be one in the same out on the road, not a world divided.
