Helmet or No Helmet: You decide

The majority of the United States has some sort of motorcycle helmet law. Some of these laws require that every rider wear a helmet, and some set provisions requiring only certain people to wear helmets. Currently, more than half of the United States provides the rider with the choice to wear a helmet or not, as this issue should be.

Motorcyclists are fully aware of the potential risks of riding, and even more so of riding without helmets. If this is an issue of insurance premiums, then why can riders not sign a waiver as do other extreme sport participants? This also should not be grounds for a state to receive federal safety grants. Those whom do not ride are sure to argue that riders are safer when they wear helmets, and will stop there with no further understanding of why this is even an issue.



Bikers feel an overwhelming sense of freedom when on the bike. For many, part of that freedom includes the choice to allow the wind blow through their hair. Why else are dogs so often seen hanging their heads out car windows during a ride; they too enjoy the wind against their face and the breeze in their fur, or hair in a person's perspective.



In agreement of many states, including Indiana, certain provisions should be in place. For example, a minor or a permit only rider should be required to wear a helmet.