Helmets and Motorcycles

Tamara is talking about motorcycle helmets. I love my motorcycle and I ride it every chance I get.

I put on a helmet each and every time I ride. Whether it is for five minutes or five hours, I am going to be wearing a helmet if I am on the bike.

I carry an extra helmet on the bike, just in case I have to give someone a ride. Back in my single days, someone would want a ride on the bike, but say they didn't need a helmet. You don't get on my bike without a helmet. Period. That just doesn't happen. I have broken a helmet in a crash. My head hit the pavement and the sound was like a rifle shot going off in my ear. My first thought was "Damn, that would have hurt." I have no doubt that if I hadn't been wearing a helmet that day, I would have been killed.

That said, I don't think that the government should mandate helmets for motorcycle riders. When you get your endorsement, you should be required to sign a release that if injured, you will not burden society at any government health agency or apply for benefits based on your disabling injury. No SSI, no public health agency.

For the same reasons, I don't think that government should mandate the use of seat belts in autos. If you want to kill yourself, do it on your own dime. Make every driver sign a release. If they don't sign it, they don't get to drive. Very simple.

While I'm at it, I don't think I should have to get a permit to build a building on land that I own. If I screw up and diminish my land value, then it is on me. If I screw up and diminish my neighbor's land value, then let them sue me. Let local govt zone a section, certainly, but don't tell me I need a permit to remodel or add an outbuilding.

Helmets for motorcycle riders and seat belts in cars are simply nannyism at its worst.