No helmet question...

[Badger]

I have a question for folks that live in states that don't require helmets:

Why is it that -nobody- seems to wear a helmet?

It's not like they're prohibited...they're just -not required-.  I'm doing some work in RI, and there are motorcycles all over the place, but in the past few weeks I've seen only a handful of people that choose to wear head protection of any kind.

What really got me thinking about this was a guy I saw on a liter bike--of course no helmet--who stalled the thing several times leaving a red light.  It struck me that here's this guy that doesn't appear technically proficient, and yet he didn't think it was necessary to protect his melon.

So I wonder what the prevailing attitude is in other areas that let people make their own decision...what percentage of people choose to wear a helmet, even though they don't have to?  In RI, I'd estimate it's <5%...

[Roadstergal]

Becuz they be the shnizit, and too kewl for helmetz.

Hmm, you sound like a gear Nazi.  Shame on you.

[werase643]

they should make signing the organ donor card mandatory if riding w/o a helmet

bumble bee in the face at 60......

[Phaedrus]

What really got me thinking about this was a guy I saw on a liter bike--of course no helmet--who stalled the thing several times leaving a red light.  It struck me that here's this guy that doesn't appear technically proficient, and yet he didn't think it was necessary to protect his melon.

I think you answered your own question  :lol: They want to protect their assets, but obviously they don't feel their brain is an one. I have a feeling many would agree. I don't like to see anyone get hurt though, and I personally would like to see all states require a helmet.

Thing is, they shouldn't HAVE to require it. Somethings you should just know and practice without being told. Protecting yourself is one of them.

[werase643]

helmet laws are right up there with seat belt laws.....

gov. shouldn't make them decisions.....

[My Name Is Dave]

What's the big deal, guys?

[Roadstergal]

For both helmet and seatbelt laws - in a perfect world, you wouldn't need such laws.  But the world isn't perfect.  And both are situations where abject stupidity hurts the community at large.  So they're necessary.  For those of us with a brain to protect - they make no difference at all.  Helmet law or no, it makes no difference in my gearing up for riding.  For those without a brain to protect - they can yap about their liberties being infringed all they want; I don't care.  They can go off themselves on their own private property, where it won't affect my insurance rates and won't take doctors and other medical resources away from people harmed by things they couldn't have avoided as easily.  Not to mention, where it won't mung up traffic.

[RVertigo]

Even in states where helmets are required...  WTF is the difference between the little brain bucket and no helmet at all?  I don't see one.

[scottpA_GS]

I don't wave to no lidders :nana:   Thats how I show my opinion

Silly, just silly. But I do think that it should be your right to decide. Here in PA they just passed the No helmet law about 2 years ago. I will always wear my helmet  :mrgreen:  Full face too ! Guard your grill succa!

[My Name Is Dave]

Speaking of that, I noticed something a couple months ago. I wave to everyone on a bike, regardless of what make or type it is. Some do wave back, some don't. Who would you guess doesn't wave back...?


Harley riders? Nope.


Guys in half lids. I will get a wave from anyone wearing a full-faced helmet, and guys in brain buckets and whatnot act like I'm not there. Effing dickheads.

Dave  

[scottpA_GS]

sometimes when guys w/o helmets wave.. I tap my helmet  and give em a  

[jbeaber]

I think helmets should be optional.  Fine by me.  But, if you choose not to wear a helmet, no suing for head injuries related to an accident.  By making that decision, you are forfeiting your rights on that.  We need a bit more natural selection in the human species.....

[RVertigo]

Guys in half lids.

Some of them acknowledge you...  I stopped by a gas station and a old guy on an OLD cruiser (HD, Indian, whatever... They all look the same to me) was getting gas.  Skid-lid, leathers, the whole nine...

When I saw him I looked over and was planning to nod...  Expecting him to ignore me...  But, he nodded before I did.

So...  They're not all bad.  (just most of 'em)  :mrgreen:

[My Name Is Dave]

Agreed. It's like saying women like Friends, but not all people who like Friends are women. Well maybe they actually are...

Some of them do wave. But the ones who are more likely not to are half-lidders.

Dave

[aaronstj]

I know that in a couple of states, helments are required unless you have a certain amount of health insurance, which makes a lot of sense to me.  I think people should have the right to decide if they want to wear helmets (or seatbelts) but the reality of the matter is, if their stupidy gets them hurt, it's not unlikely that my tax money will go to their health care somehow.

[RVertigo]

True...  Two of my friends are half-lid cruiser riders...  One waves and the other is too cool. :lol:

[natedawg120]

i have seen that in states that require no helmate most everyone on any type of cruser does not wear a helmat.  However I see many on sport bike wearing helmates.  I encourage helmates even if you don't have to wear one.  Like I talked to a guy that rides a scooter around town and he said he doesn't wear one cause he doesn't have to and he can only go 30mph anyway, like a 30mph slide will hurt that much .  On the other side i waved to my first scooter today for the simple fact that the girl on it WAS wearing a helmate, full face at that.

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[aaronstj]

Does being a conservative make you a duck, Ed, or is it the other way around?