Total Motorcycle Community Forums

The Great Motorcycle Helmet Debate: Forced use or...?


To wear a motorcycle helmet or not is a burning issue for many new and seasoned riders alike all over the world. But it seems the United States of America is the hot spot for discussion on this topic.

Some states in the USA require/force motorcyclists to wear a helmet, other states say it is up to the rider to decide.

It has been debated that motorcycle helmets can hurt a motorcyclist in an accident as much as they can help. Also many bikers see the government forcing them to wear a helmet as an attack on their personal freedoms of choice and their lifestyle.

What do you think? Do you think the government SHOULD force riders of all ages to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?


Mike.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Total Motorcycle is always for the safety of the rider. We recommend the use of a helmet when riding a motorcycle at all times. In our opinion a full face is the best protection for the rider in any given situation.

After answering the above question, answer it again substituting "seat belts" for helmet, and automobile for motorcycle.

DustyJacket wrote:After answering the above question, answer it again substituting "seat belts" for helmet, and automobile for motorcycle.

At one time (a long time ago) car seat belts had to be not mandatory. Car seat belts make sense today, but they can be uncomfortable for many people...

Could the same be said about motorcycle helmets?

Mike.

Our first car that came with seatbelts was bought in 1965.
Thje '58 Olds didn't even come with them. My father added them.

For every arguement against helmets, I've heard something similar against seatbelts. (Except for the visibility arguement.) And many people still don't wear seat belts today. I had a co-worker die one night after getting flipped out of the car and it landed on him. He always argued that they would "lock up" and trap him in a burning car......

I will use a helmet every time I ride. I use a seatbelt every time I drive.
It is up to others to decide what they'll do. And what laws to ignore.

When I rode my motorcycle in Montana I still used a motorcycle helmet everywhere I went even though in Montana is it optional to wear one.

I thought about it while there, not riding with a helmet and letting the cool breeze blow though my hair and the feeling for freedom that would provide... but the idea passed after a minute thinking about the potential concequences of riding without my helmet.

Mike.

Have posted it elsewhere on here, will say it again - I will not ride without a helmet.

The risks are too great.

i do not like being told i have to do something,but as for wearing a helmet ,i couldnt imagine riding without one.years ago helmets were not compulsary and yes i rode without a helmet.i didnt enjoy the experiance.try breathing at 60+ without somthing in front of your face.i was young and thought it was cool,now im older and much as i hate to say it,the laws right.xjrjohn

If people want to ride without a helmet, I guess that is their business. I won't ride without one. For some people the thrill of riding is only boosted by the wind in their hair. I don't get it myself. Bugs in my face, rocks, dust and sand, are all avoided by my helmet. If they make it a law, I will certainly be uneffected.

Although where I live you do not have to wear one, I personally have never ridden without one, and dont plan on it. I'm one of the very few Harley riders that do wear one. I had a walnut size rock hit my face shield doing 55mph last year, so that's reason enough for me. But, it's their head, not mine

Every head injury resulting in a coma or life support situation will cause an increase in insurance premiums to the rest of us, so I say make it mandatory. As for seat belts, I dont want to be killed by an "individually free" passenger flying over my headrest if I ever rear-ended someone. When I was in the Air Force, it was mandatory on base, and it never bothered me one bit. Then I did get rear-ended, at a stop sign on base, by a girl whose foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas pedal. Her dog broke the windshield of her car when it flew out of the back seat.

...Or maybe helmets should be mandatory in cars, too .