"Head Injuries Increase After Michigan Repeals Hel

[wilcom]

"Head Injuries Increase After Michigan Repeals Helmet Law

This one is going to ruffle a few feathers, but it’s a conversation that we motorcyclists need to have. Back in 2012, Michigan partially repealed their helmet law, and it’s only just now that we are seeing the results"

What a stupid headline. It was not about safety you bunch of duffaces it was about rather it was the GOV business or not. I just hate it when the media starts wringing their hands to get attention. Did they really think by doing away with a safty device it was going to get better ?

[skippyc]

I wouldn't ride without a helmet even if it was legal.
I fell off a pushbike once and did a bit of damage to the face and that was going slow.
But i know of someone who declares he will never come off his bike, so he doesn't need any protection at all.

[wilcom]

i know of someone who declares he will never come off his bike, so he doesn't need any protection at all.
                   

I too ride with all the gear. I just feel it's my choice and not some green wienie setting on a capitol hill somewhere and I'm sure the law in Michigan was repealed as a freedom issue not a safety issue.

It was the absurdity of the headline that yanked my chain. "head injuries increase after helmet repeal" well DUH, everybody knew that "for or against" the issue

[skippyc]

You have to feel sorry for the media they just can't find anything useful to report on anymore.

[JJH]

I have no problem without requiring helmets.  But this freedom from government involvement, must also be combined with personal responsibility for the result.  Since the long term care of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is so high, individuals that have a TBI often end up requiring government medical programs.  The high cost of treatment almost guarantees that an individual will exceed what they "paid into" these programs.  I do not know the requirements of the Michigan program, but some states do mandate higher insurance coverage for individuals that want to ride without a helmet.  With this system an individual has freedom from government, and is also taking responsibility for their own actions.   

[marcmax]

Fla repealed their helmet laws several years ago with the provision that you must carry a health insurance policy that provides a minimum of $10,000 coverage specifically for a motorcycle accident. If you get stopped for a license and insurance check and can't provide proof of the required insurance its like Monopoly, "Go Directly To Jail, Do Not Pass GO, Do Not Collect $200".

I live on the GA side of the FL/GA border and it always amazes me seeing people riding down the interstate, cross over into FL and pull onto the shoulder of the rode to take off their helmet and tied to the seat behind them. Really? You can't just wait until you get to where you are going?

JMHO - You don't wear the gear, you deserve the consequences.

[JJH]

For the longest time I couldn't figure out why bikers seemed to love Popeye.  There was a statue of Popeye on the Illinois side of a bridge over the Mississippi river.  There were always lots of bikes parked right by the statue.  Then I realized that Missouri had a helmet law, Illinois did not.  It was just a convenient place to don or remove their helmets  .

[wilcom]

Since the long term care of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is so high,

I wonder when you factor in the ones that die instantly and there is no end of life care what the resultant would be...... I know my Mother lived to the ripe age of 91 and the last 5 years of her life she supported 3 doctors with new Porches, an Ambulance service and and a ward at the Hospital all by herself.

I was in Arizona (Ft. Hoochi cooch) when the Helmet law came into being. After awhile I just felt naked without it. So much more comfortable with a hat on. Hats and ear plugs make the motorcycling experience 110% more enjoyable for me ............naturally YMMV

[nhmaf]

Here in NH, we also do not have compulsory helmet laws (for people over 18).   But, I never ride past the end of my driveway without mine.   Like in GA/FL area - there are many from Massachusetts or Vermont riding through who will stop at the first rest area in NH and take off their helmets.
We have a fair number of motorcycle accidents in the state.  I would say that at least 75% of the fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders without helmets.   But, of the nonfatal accidents, those with helmets generally resume a fairly normal life, unless they were traveling at triple digit (MPH) speeds or encountered something like a dump truck.

[marcmax]

It was, well lets just say it was a long time ago. I was riding a 250cc Susuki 2 cylinder and I came to an intersection with a side road. I looked at the elderly driver, made eye contact (I thought) and she looked right through me and pulled out in front of me. I had a choice to hit her broadside and take my chances or lay it down and hope I stopped sliding before I ended up underneath her. I laid it down. Destroyed my bike and lost a fair amount of skin (it grew back). My 3/4 helmet ground down to the inner styrofoam liner. I have never ridden without a full face helmet ever since, even an up and down the driveway test ride.I may be dumb but I am not stupid.

[Bob_W]

Don't forget there are riders who specifically travel to states to ride without a helmet. I am guessing here, but I am willing to bet a nickle or so they are not, in many cases, the most experienced riders.
I've been in a hail storm with a non-helmeted rider-'nough said.

Bob