Missouri considers repealing motorcycle helmet law

**greminn** · 19th May 2009, 08:30

Was reading this on Autoblog.com, but thought.. hmm that would be an interesing poll. Would you, given NZ removed the need for helmets, still wear one?

I feel that i would feel very wrong without one on.

Article Content: Put out of its Missouri: State Legislature considers repealing motorcycle helmet law

Few issues out on the open road are as divisive as helmet laws for motorcycle riders. On the one hand, you have individual liberty advocates – many motorcyclists among them – insisting that the government can't tell riders what's best for them. On the other are safety advocates, armed with evidence of increased fatalities where helmets aren't mandatory. Now the Missouri state legislature has sent a bill to the governor that would, if signed into law, repeal the state's mandatory helmet regulations. Autoblog.com

**p.dath** · 19th May 2009, 09:25

There mad! I value my lifew too much not to wear a helmet. So they are they also going to make sucicide legal as well?

**The Pastor** · 19th May 2009, 10:18

sigh.

i'd wear a helment when i warrent it fit to do so, and i'd ride with out one when i want to.

**ManDownUnder** · 19th May 2009, 10:22

Everything else aside... have you guys ever had a large bug (bumblebee for example) fly into your face?

That's reason enough for me to wear a full face. Safety stuff's a bonus.

**Tone165** · 19th May 2009, 10:24

Originally Posted by renegade master

sigh.

i'd wear a helment when i warrent it fit to do so, and i'd ride with out one when i want to.

I already do this.

very few places that I ride where I don't feel a helmet is worthwhile, another factor is that helmet is less likely to get scratched on my head as opposed to hanging off the side of my seat.

But sometimes I admit that riding sedately along the waterfront sans helmet is pretty damn nice!

**Slyer** · 19th May 2009, 10:28

As much as I love stupid people dying because they didn't wear a helmet, the chance of them getting a head injury and being a even bigger drain on society is too great.

**Finn** · 19th May 2009, 10:38

I would love to see more laws like this scrapped and welcome personal responsibility.

Mind you, I'd also like to see Government bureaucrats reduced by at least 60% but that ain't gonna happen without a coup. Self serving nazi's.

However, to answer your question, yes, I would normally wear a helmet but would like the option of not wearing one.

**Magua** · 19th May 2009, 10:42

Originally Posted by Finn

I would love to see more laws like this scrapped and welcome personal responsibility.

However, to answer your question, yes, I would normally wear a helmet but would like the option of not wearing one.

As would I.

**Slyer** · 19th May 2009, 11:23

Originally Posted by Finn

I would love to see more laws like this scrapped and welcome personal responsibility.

Mind you, I'd also like to see Government bureaucrats reduced by at least 60% but that ain't gonna happen without a coup. Self serving nazi's.

However, to answer your question, yes, I would normally wear a helmet but would like the option of not wearing one.

Agree.
By not wearing a helmet you endanger only yourself.

Although, if you crash without a helmet and get a head injury or something, you shouldn't get shit from the government. Can't pay for it? Too bad.

**Hitcher** · 19th May 2009, 11:38

The irony about most US States that don't have mandatory helmet laws for motorcyclists is that almost without exception they have mandatory helmet laws for treadly riders. What's all that about then?

I'll tell you what it's about, it's about spineless legislators and well resourced lobby groups who vehemently argue personal responsibility and pro choice matters.

Don't forget that the USA doesn't have an ACC equivalent. If through your own actions you turn yourself into a vegetable, you're on your own: the taxpayer is not impacted. Where the taxpayer ends up paying for the repair and rehabilitation costs of motorcycle accidents, they should have a say in laws designed to protect motorcyclists from themselves and other road users.

**ManDownUnder** · 19th May 2009, 11:47

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Don't forget that the USA doesn't have an ACC equivalent. If through your own actions you turn yourself into a vegetable, you're on your own: the taxpayer is not impacted.

No - but it seems the 'responsible party" is... i.e. anyone in the chain of events, no matter how remotely connected, that has the biggest source of funds to be tapped.

So they sue the bike manufacturer for not making the vehicle safe enough, or the person that planted the tree they hit... it was clearly in the wrong place... etc. The expertise of the ambulance chasers in the US just fascinates me, along with the natural dichotomy of
1) Freedom of choice
2) An apparent total lack of personal responsibility
3) Money solves everything... all we need to do is find someone with some...

It's a wonderful place. God defend New Zealand from such a pathetic approach

**Finn** · 19th May 2009, 11:52

Originally Posted by Slyer

Although, if you crash without a helmet and get a head injury or something, you shouldn't get shit from the government. Can't pay for it? Too bad.

I'm fine with that. User pays. Like it a lot.

**slofox** · 19th May 2009, 12:02

Given the average intelligence level of the typical amerikan citizen, I doubt that a rash of head injuries would even be noticeable...

**MisterD** · 19th May 2009, 12:08

Originally Posted by Finn

I would love to see more laws like this scrapped and welcome personal responsibility.

Mind you, I'd also like to see Government bureaucrats reduced by at least 60% but that ain't gonna happen without a coup. Self serving nazi's.

However, to answer your question, yes, I would normally wear a helmet but would like the option of not wearing one.

I agree on all fronts, but even if the government says I don't have to wear a helmet, the missus says I do...