Galaxy Highland 10
More on Helmets and the Law
RECEIVED Wed., July 19, 2006
Dear Editor,
Re: Against Helmet Law, “Postmarks,” July 7: In her most recent letter, Amy Babich states there is "no law requiring adults on motorcycles to wear helmets." In truth, Texas law does require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets. However, the law also provides exemptions to that requirement for riders who can meet certain criteria – a popular option.
Babich also claims "motorcycle helmets are much more effective than bicycle helmets." Evidence suggests otherwise. The best top-of-the-line motorcycle helmet (which can cost upward of $400) is not certified to protect in crashes over 13 miles per hour. In addition, according to the manufacturers themselves, that high-dollar helmet can be rendered completely useless if it rolls off your motorcycle and hits the garage floor. How effective is that?
Finally, contrary to her assertion, riding a motorcycle is no more dangerous than riding a bicycle on public roads, and might be less so. Yes, just like bicyclists, we are targets for oblivious, cell-phone-yakking, and/or drunken auto drivers, and if we crash, we suffer the same injuries. That's why most experienced motorcyclists wear boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and gloves to protect their hands in a fall. How often do you see a bicyclist so protected?
Another factor, which might help keep us just a little safer than bicyclists, is that our machines are bigger, frequently louder, and equipped with headlights and loud electric horns – all of which help get a motorist's attention in traffic. Our machines also have the power to pull away from tailgaters and other menacing drivers. It's still a struggle to survive, but I'd rather take my chances on a motorcycle than a bicycle, any day!
On one point Babich and I agree. Even though I don't ride bicycles, and have no intention of starting, I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adult bicyclists, as a matter of principle. It has never been the government's duty to protect adults from their choices, and, so long as America brags of being "the land of the free," it never will be.
Re: Against Helmet Law, “Postmarks,” July 7: In her most recent letter, Amy Babich states there is "no law requiring adults on motorcycles to wear helmets." In truth, Texas law does require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets. However, the law also provides exemptions to that requirement for riders who can meet certain criteria – a popular option.
Babich also claims "motorcycle helmets are much more effective than bicycle helmets." Evidence suggests otherwise. The best top-of-the-line motorcycle helmet (which can cost upward of $400) is not certified to protect in crashes over 13 miles per hour. In addition, according to the manufacturers themselves, that high-dollar helmet can be rendered completely useless if it rolls off your motorcycle and hits the garage floor. How effective is that?
Finally, contrary to her assertion, riding a motorcycle is no more dangerous than riding a bicycle on public roads, and might be less so. Yes, just like bicyclists, we are targets for oblivious, cell-phone-yakking, and/or drunken auto drivers, and if we crash, we suffer the same injuries. That's why most experienced motorcyclists wear boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and gloves to protect their hands in a fall. How often do you see a bicyclist so protected?
Another factor, which might help keep us just a little safer than bicyclists, is that our machines are bigger, frequently louder, and equipped with headlights and loud electric horns – all of which help get a motorist's attention in traffic. Our machines also have the power to pull away from tailgaters and other menacing drivers. It's still a struggle to survive, but I'd rather take my chances on a motorcycle than a bicycle, any day!
On one point Babich and I agree. Even though I don't ride bicycles, and have no intention of starting, I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adult bicyclists, as a matter of principle. It has never been the government's duty to protect adults from their choices, and, so long as America brags of being "the land of the free," it never will be.
Bill James
