Why?

[Uncle Cracker]

I don't remember to whom to attribute this quote, but it's one I'll always remember:

"Adulthood is the point in one's life when he may begin to do stupid things with absolute confidence..."

[RodKirby]

In Oz, by law, if you're riding on 2 wheels (motorized or not), you MUST wear a helmet.

[Ed62]

I believe in good helmets, but not the law.

I feel that way about seat belt laws. I always wear mine. Even though I think it's stupid not to wear one, I don't think someone should be able to tell me I have to. I do, however, believe in seat belt laws for kids who are not old enough to practice good judgement, or are too young to care.

I have a son in law who owns a motorcycle. He and my daughter always ride without wearing helmets. It makes me cringe when I see that. But they're old enough to make up their own minds.

Ed

[stormdog74]

I feel that way about seat belt laws. I always wear mine. Even though I think it's stupid not to wear one, I don't think someone should be able to tell me I have to. I do, however, believe in seat belt laws for kids who are not old enough to practice good judgement, or are too young to care.

I have a son in law who owns a motorcycle. He and my daughter always ride without wearing helmets. It makes me cringe when I see that. But they're old enough to make up their own minds.

Ed

For the most part I agree, but what gives me pause is that if someone is severely hurt in an accident, then who is going to pay for the hospital stay? I think most people who ride recklessly are young and probably uninsured, which means we all pay in one way or another. How about this - you can ride without a helmet if you have insurance for doing so. I wonder what the rider on that policy would be!

[Ed62]

Unfortunately we all pay for a multitude of things done or not done by others.

How about this - you can ride without a helmet if you have insurance for doing so. I wonder what the rider on that policy would be!

Sounds like a winner to me, but I'd bet you'll have a fight on your hands getting that passed.

Ed

[dkerfoot]

For the most part I agree, but what gives me pause is that if someone is severely hurt in an accident, then who is going to pay for the hospital stay? I think most people who ride recklessly are young and probably uninsured, which means we all pay in one way or another. How about this - you can ride without a helmet if you have insurance for doing so. I wonder what the rider on that policy would be!

Of course, this same line of thinking would be cause for making cigarettes, alcohol and guns illegal.

[dlminehart]

Many states require proof of insurance to have a car registration; is that not so for motorcycles as well? I'd expect that the insurance for motorcyclists would be pretty high, given the likelihood of significant or total disability from an accident, and the costs that would entail. Does the coverage specify anything about helmet use?

Any cyclists here have insurance coverage and cost info to share? With rising gas prices, I expect a lot of people will take up the practice unless insurance is prohibitive.

[Pappy]

Insurance cost on bikes is relatively cheap. The damage in a collision is more complete but the average cost of replacement is much lower than a car. Where car premiums are based a lot on the age of the insured, many of the M/C writers also factor in experience. A newly licensed rider is going to pay more than an experienced rider the same age.

As to helmets, M/C riders vs. bicyclist. Motorcycle laws come under the state statutes while cities can pass ordinances on bicyclists. Austin requires helmets for all bicyclists.

Several years ago almost all states had mandantory M/C helmet laws. The laws were challenged and most repealed or modified for the same reason the 55 MPH limit was eliminated. The US DOT basically forced the states to pass these laws under threat of withholding federal highway funds. Since the DOT has no elected officials, the laws were fund unconstitutional. Texas now requires helments for riders and passengers under the age of 21 and for anyone that does not carry sufficient medical insurance, although the last part is hard to enforce.

[stormdog74]

Of course, this same line of thinking would be cause for making cigarettes, alcohol and guns illegal.

Maybe, but smokers do pay more for life insurance, and maybe they should have to pay a higher premium on health insurance as should alcohol and drug users, and those overweight, and those who speed (oops, that would be me, and most everyone, so we can't do that!), and...

So, this quickly becomes unwieldy and it is only a theoretical argument, but in theory a great idea, but so was communism, I suppose.

That said, I think most things should be legal as long as you don't harm anyone else. Our jails are crowded with people on minor drug charges while those who rape or molest are out in too short of a time.

[crokett]

Smokers do pay more in health insurance - they get sicker more so have more out of pocket, prescription costs, etc. I'd actually be surprised if health insurance companies did not charge more to insure smokers.

I think most things should be legal to the point that it doesn't affect me, at least not directly. So if you are dumb enough to not wear a helmet on a motorcycle or a seatbelt in a car, fine with me. I would leave drunk driving criminalized because you being drunk on the road interferes with me getting somewhere safely while I am driving.

[LCHIEN]

Many states require proof of insurance to have a car registration; is that not so for motorcycles as well? I'd expect that the insurance for motorcyclists would be pretty high, given the likelihood of significant or total disability from an accident, and the costs that would entail. Does the coverage specify anything about helmet use?

Any cyclists here have insurance coverage and cost info to share? With rising gas prices, I expect a lot of people will take up the practice unless insurance is prohibitive.

Most states require liability insurance to protect those you might hit or injure. I don't think most auto policies pay for injuries to you if you were at fault, your health insurance should cover that.

[dkerfoot]

Smokers do pay more in health insurance - they get sicker more so have more out of pocket, prescription costs, etc. I'd actually be surprised if health insurance companies did not charge more to insure smokers.

Yes - IF they have health insurance. Who pays for smokers on Medicaid?

Just for clarity, I am not actually for making smoking illegal, just an advocate for helmets being optional.

As for seat belts, they should also be optional (I always wear mine). However, police should have the right and duty to pull over anyone who is driving with an unrestrained child and beat them half to death on the spot.

[stormdog74]

[QUOTE=dkerfoot;353104]Yes - IF they have health insurance. Who pays for smokers on Medicaid?
[QUOTE]

Or those covered by an employer's plan, which of course reduces benefits or $ available for those who do not smoke.

Of course, this is also true of those with many children (vs those without). Not that I am equating cigarettes to children!

I've always thought a cafeteria plan was a good idea, but it got shot down the last time it was brought up. I guess there are a lot of people with kids who got very worried.