Helmet Debate
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Washington state
This makes perfect sense. But one thing most people don't seem to understand in helmet debates is that a crash/head injury, unfortunately, doesn't mean instant death. Some, probably most, times it 'merely' results in a person living their life at a reduced, sometimes severely reduced, capacity. The 'risk' to one's life is far greater then death.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, this is something difficult/impossible to understand until you actually experience it. Or at least have personal experience tending to someone that has experienced this. I have never seen statistics, or studies of any kind, regarding the 'lives' of people that haven't died immediately after receiving a head injury. Probably because it would involve years of studying how a persons life turned out. And it is somewhat subjective in nature.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, this is something difficult/impossible to understand until you actually experience it. Or at least have personal experience tending to someone that has experienced this. I have never seen statistics, or studies of any kind, regarding the 'lives' of people that haven't died immediately after receiving a head injury. Probably because it would involve years of studying how a persons life turned out. And it is somewhat subjective in nature.
I agree with you on motorcycle accidents doesn't result in instant death. The human element will always be a factor in one's personal safety. We're not all perfect and going to follow safety precautions meticulously, that's something they should include in their studies.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 228
Likes: 29
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I went without a helmet once and couldn't figure out what the big deal was. Since then, I wear a helmet whenever I ride.
That said, as long as they are 18, it should be the rider's choice. If they're old enough to vote and serve in the military, they're old enough to choose their own fate.
Here in Ohio, they also require anyone on a learner's permit to wear one. I don't think that's unreasonable.
That said, as long as they are 18, it should be the rider's choice. If they're old enough to vote and serve in the military, they're old enough to choose their own fate.
Here in Ohio, they also require anyone on a learner's permit to wear one. I don't think that's unreasonable.
at what age do you feel that someone should be allowed to make a choice for their own lives? the government says you are an adult at 18, and get the full rights and privileges at 21 (smoking, drinking), which in itself is off-kilter imo. if you're an adult, then drink and smoke if you choose. if you don't want to let me do that, then don't call me an adult until 21.....
just make it at that line. over that age, make your own decision. below that age, we'll make it for you. none of these mickey mouse, 'if you're over 18 it's okay, unless you have a child under the age of 4, then you have to wait until they are 4, but only if you carry $x of life insurance, etc....'
just make it at that line. over that age, make your own decision. below that age, we'll make it for you. none of these mickey mouse, 'if you're over 18 it's okay, unless you have a child under the age of 4, then you have to wait until they are 4, but only if you carry $x of life insurance, etc....'
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
Hogwash
When I turned 18 I was issued a Selective Service card with a 1A classification for the draft; and my newly acquired voter's card allowed me to vote.
I could also legally buy cigarettes, cigars, wine, beer, hunting rifles, shotguns, rifle cartridges and shotgun shells (but I couldn't buy .22 cartridges because they could fire in a handgun (?)...go figure).
I could not legally buy handguns or handgun cartridges, or hard liquor...nor could I ride my Harley without wearing a helmet. Needless to say, given the other freedoms and liberties I enjoyed at 18, the stupid firearms & ammunition restrictions, liquor laws and helmet laws pissed me off to no end.
So, count me as another one that thinks 21 is too old because if an 18-year old American can vote and honorably wear a United States military uniform and serve their country, then he or she should damn well be able to choose for themselves whether to wear a frickin' helmet or not while riding on their own motorcycle; or buy or use any other product that's legal and currently restricted to ages of 21 or older.
I could also legally buy cigarettes, cigars, wine, beer, hunting rifles, shotguns, rifle cartridges and shotgun shells (but I couldn't buy .22 cartridges because they could fire in a handgun (?)...go figure).
I could not legally buy handguns or handgun cartridges, or hard liquor...nor could I ride my Harley without wearing a helmet. Needless to say, given the other freedoms and liberties I enjoyed at 18, the stupid firearms & ammunition restrictions, liquor laws and helmet laws pissed me off to no end.
So, count me as another one that thinks 21 is too old because if an 18-year old American can vote and honorably wear a United States military uniform and serve their country, then he or she should damn well be able to choose for themselves whether to wear a frickin' helmet or not while riding on their own motorcycle; or buy or use any other product that's legal and currently restricted to ages of 21 or older.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
The helmet law is coming up for a vote in Tennessee again. The law will give anyone over 21 the choice to ride without a helmet. I'm sure there are other stipulations but I honestly haven't cared enough to look into the law.
And the way this is written, from what I saw initially I cant support it as its worded.
Before you jump on me for not wanting people to have a choice, I do but just not at 21 years old. I say that because most at 21 still think your gonna live forever and are still invincible. If the law stated anyone over the age of 31 then I guess I could support it more. But on average I just dont figure a 21 year kid has the maturity to make a decision that could have that grave of consequences. Yes there are exceptions but from the 21 year old kids I see.........I dont see many exceptions.
I know you can join the Military at that age........I joined at 18 and didnt know squat about life. I learned it pretty quick but didnt know it going in.
Maybe I'm just getting older and think about this stuff more.........I'll hit 50 this year.
Personally I'll wear my helmet.............Regardless of the law. The above is just strictly my personal opinion...........Not saying its right or wrong, just an opinion.
Totaled a Heritage out in Texas about 15 years ago. I firmly believe if I had been without a helmet I would have died that day. since I had one on I'm still here riding 15 years later.
So what do y'all think? Is 21 old enough to make that kind of decision or should the minimum age be older? Maybe I'm way off base in my thinking.
And the way this is written, from what I saw initially I cant support it as its worded.
Before you jump on me for not wanting people to have a choice, I do but just not at 21 years old. I say that because most at 21 still think your gonna live forever and are still invincible. If the law stated anyone over the age of 31 then I guess I could support it more. But on average I just dont figure a 21 year kid has the maturity to make a decision that could have that grave of consequences. Yes there are exceptions but from the 21 year old kids I see.........I dont see many exceptions.
I know you can join the Military at that age........I joined at 18 and didnt know squat about life. I learned it pretty quick but didnt know it going in.
Maybe I'm just getting older and think about this stuff more.........I'll hit 50 this year.
Personally I'll wear my helmet.............Regardless of the law. The above is just strictly my personal opinion...........Not saying its right or wrong, just an opinion.
Totaled a Heritage out in Texas about 15 years ago. I firmly believe if I had been without a helmet I would have died that day. since I had one on I'm still here riding 15 years later.
So what do y'all think? Is 21 old enough to make that kind of decision or should the minimum age be older? Maybe I'm way off base in my thinking.
should we prosecute a 14 year as an adult?
I won't even go down the road of Pregnancy/Marriage.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
So I can count on you voting Republican right....
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 137
From: Surprise, AZ
The age should be 18. Not 21. If I am legally able to join the military and vote, then I should be able to decide what to do with my life.
the responsibility resides with the parents/family/loved ones to educate their kid of responsibilities and tough decisions in life. not the government.
I wear a helmet in cali because I have to. I don't always wear one where I don't have to. it depends on the circumstances.
the responsibility resides with the parents/family/loved ones to educate their kid of responsibilities and tough decisions in life. not the government.
I wear a helmet in cali because I have to. I don't always wear one where I don't have to. it depends on the circumstances.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
I say repeal ALL helmet laws. I'll also say a prayer for those who choose to exercise their freedom and not wear a helmet. Plainly, there is an increased risk in not wearing a helmet; but it is NOT up to legislators to decide who should and shouldn't be willing to assume that risk - the decision is strictly personal to each rider. Just because I may choose to wear a helmet whether compelled to do so or not, does not mean anyone else should do the same. I expect to be criticized by some and understood by others. Despite either opinion, I don't give a s**t and I don't expect anyone else to be persuaded by what my opinion is.
EDIT: BTW, my profile photo was taken in Connecticut [a no helmet State].
EDIT: BTW, my profile photo was taken in Connecticut [a no helmet State].
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I say repeal ALL helmet laws. I'll also say a prayer for those who choose to exercise their freedom and not wear a helmet. Plainly, there is an increased risk in not wearing a helmet; but it is NOT up to legislators to decide who should and shouldn't be willing to assume that risk - the decision is strictly personal to each rider. Just because I may choose to wear a helmet whether compelled to do so or not, does not mean anyone else should do the same. I expect to be criticized by some and understood by others. Despite either opinion, I don't give a s**t and I don't expect anyone else to be persuaded by what my opinion is.
EDIT: BTW, my profile photo was taken in Connecticut [a no helmet State].
EDIT: BTW, my profile photo was taken in Connecticut [a no helmet State].
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
You really thought the affordable care act was about lowering costs? Unfortunately, that health care reform we begged for is paid for by our freedom!
Ruled by the least common denominater.