Helmets, Bicycles, Motorcycles, etc

[NickO'Time]

Helmets for anyone under the age of 18.
Helmets for operating a motorcycle.

NO HELMETS for anyone above 18 on A BICYCLE.

Makes no sense to me at all. Might as well make the law all the way across the board.

Another one of those laws that is just so ridiculous. It makes kids think "why should I"

All it takes is one time no matter how skilled you are.

[Gemini Cricket]

I think helmets should be required for everyone. It just makes sense. Like we see so often, legislating it is difficult. (ie. Hawai'i requires eye protection and doesn't require helmets. Helmets for under 18.)
I think there should be a blanket law but sometimes I feel like saying, 'Well, if there is a law then great. If not, I don't think bike riders should be able to sue if they get some sort of head trauma from an accident where a helmet could have prevented it.'
My dad and I go back and forth on this one. He rides Harleys with his ex-cop buddies around O'ahu and on the Big Island. He doesn't wear a helmet. But then I say, 'Well, if you crack your head open, it's your kuliana*.' (* A Hawaiian word/slang that means your own responsibility, deserved gift.)

[SacTown Chronic]

There's no way I would have worn a helmet while riding a bike when I was a kid. But I make my kids wear one. Being a parent has turned me into a big ole fraidy-cat.

[Moonliner]

I don't like the government legislating personal safety in this way. That's Darwin's job. If you are over 18 and want to crush your brains on the pavement then more power to you.

The government should set standards for helmets to make sure they are safe but not enforce their use in adults.

[Gemini Cricket]

As a kid, I was never afraid to wear a helmet and look dumb. The yellow banana seat, red white n blue tassels and plastic wicker flower basket on the front did that for me.
:D

[scaeagles]

I survived a childhood of no child safety seat in cars (not even a seatbelt either), not wearing a helmet while skateboarding or riding my bike, etc, etc, etc. That being said, my kids must. Go figure.

That being said, it's my job to make sure they do. It is not the job of the government to tell me to wear a helmet or wear my seatbelt. Nanny laws bug me.

[innerSpaceman]

I think I'm ok with safety regulations for anything requiring a license to operate, such as a car or motorcycle. The regulations are there already, why not add safety regs that save the state tons of money?

[scaeagles]

I think I'm ok with safety regulations for anything requiring a license to operate, such as a car or motorcycle. The regulations are there already, why not add safety regs that save the state tons of money?

There's the issue.

If I don't wear a helmet and crack my skull, it should not be an issue of the state saving money. It should be my responsibility, not the responsibility of other taxpayers.

[innerSpaceman]

But it's not and never could be. There is no way to determine with any degree of certainty whether any particular head injury would be mitigated by the use of a helmet. It's a gray area that invites lawsuits and, in a society that provides emergency medical assistance to all, results in state health costs in any event.

[Prudence]

My parents bought us helmets. Not the usual sort, but the "I ride the short bus" full head helmets. I never rode my bike again.

[NickO'Time]

I'm really not asking anyone to be forced to wear a helmet.When the government makes a law, they need to look at all the varibles.One thing I agree with is, if someone does get hurt and they don't have health insurance, the government is stuck with the bill. I'm ignorant to this so educate me.

[scaeagles]

But it's not and never could be. There is no way to determine with any degree of certainty whether any particular head injury would be mitigated by the use of a helmet. It's a gray area that invites lawsuits and, in a society that provides emergency medical assistance to all, results in state health costs in any event.

Could not the same be said about drugs, which you think should be legal? How can you be for the legalization of drugs because it is an issue of personal responsibility and choice, but also for laws which require helmets? How much money do drug addicts cost the state?