Sometimes you can't make this stuff up as well as the news.

[Frog]

Rider Dies in Motorcycle Crash While Protesting Helmet Law

This touches on one of those subjects that often gets things going: Mandatory helmet use on public roads

Myself, I have always had a great compromise solution. Opt out of the requirement, and also any financial compensation or public health care deemed to be necessary as a result of the individual's decision to opt out.

[tpitman]

While the helmet I wear is a pretty shitty one, I would agree. Riding a motorcycle is pretty much a recreational activity, and it's a calculated risk. One might also make the same argument about younger folks on sport bikes with a hot chick on the back, both wearing full-faced helmets, tank tops and shorts. The sight of someone's ass scraped off from sliding down the road will have you getting into a pair of jeans at least.
I think here in Florida you can go helmetless if you're 21 and carry the proper medical insurance. I carry it, but don't go helmetless.

[Dottonedan]

I don't know. Opting out takes care of you, but what of those who suffer because of your opting out. Like as morbid as it sounds, what happens when I skid off the road as a result of sliding on your skull and brain matter all over the road as a result of your opting out of using a helmet?

I am in Florida and here, it's your choice to use a helmet or not if you are over 21. Most everyone loves to ride with no helmet but we also have an extremly high rate of deaths in motorcycle accidents. Higher than those in other states where they are required to where them. Riders say it's due to the other drivers down here and traffic being so dangerous.

[tpitman]

Probably the best thing you can do if you want to tip the scales of fortune in your favor should you decide to ride is to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course before getting very far into it, and keep what you learn in mind everytime you go out. Traffic is bad here around Orlando, much worse than it was when I first started, and sometimes I get spooked, but you calculate the risks and make a choice. There's plenty of people getting taken out in the safety of their car, too. crap happens that you can't always dodge, but you do what you can. There are no guarantees.

[Homer]

I drove right past there on Saturday, I went hiking for 3 days in the Adirondacks. . .damn shame. . .survival of the fittest. .

[mk162]

I feel sorry for his family, not him.  It's the same thing as ryan dunn, go driving drunk..at over 130 MPH, you get what you deserve.

Chances are, you'd spin out on the oil and gas rather than brain matter.

I agree with frog, if you don't want to wear one, you should receive NO free care.  If your insurance company wants to pay for it, that's fine.

My dad rides, in a state with no helmet laws.  He still rides with one every time.  To me it's like a seatbelt.  The best part is they have a seatbelt law.

[Socalfmf]

As an MSF instructor I think helmets are a great idea...I remember back in 1999 when I moved to Hawaii from Cali they had no helmet law...I was so excited...took off went about 1 mile, went back home and got the helmet...and this was in Hawaii....

while there is plenty of evidence that there are more serious injuries and deaths of motorcycles I still believe that if you don't want to wear one then dont but also dont expect us ( the general public ) to pay for your healthcare...if you want to add a rider to your policy then do it....but I am about individual freedom vs. mandatory laws...

Sam

[mjrprint]

This came up when I was taking my msf course and our instructor said the best thing I ever heard on the debate. "Next time you are cruising down the street look over at the curb. Now ask yourself is my head harder than that."