Mike.Gayner
2nd April 2014, 07:32
Interesting visual: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/03/31/science/motorcycle-helmet-laws.html
Basically states that have loosened helmet laws have seen a big uptick in motorcycle deaths. No surprise there, though I would have a couple of points to make:
Fewer laws around riding probably leads to more riders on the road. The linked graphic only deals with absolute deaths, not deaths as a percentage of riders. I'd argue that with lax helmet laws you're likely to see more people get on a bike.
I honestly think most riders, no matter their experience/skill level, understand the risks of getting on a bike, helmet or not. Do we really need the government telling us how to dress? If we outlawed motorcycles all together we'd save even more lives, so why no go down that path?
Basically states that have loosened helmet laws have seen a big uptick in motorcycle deaths. No surprise there, though I would have a couple of points to make:
Fewer laws around riding probably leads to more riders on the road. The linked graphic only deals with absolute deaths, not deaths as a percentage of riders. I'd argue that with lax helmet laws you're likely to see more people get on a bike.
I honestly think most riders, no matter their experience/skill level, understand the risks of getting on a bike, helmet or not. Do we really need the government telling us how to dress? If we outlawed motorcycles all together we'd save even more lives, so why no go down that path?